Ned Lyerly is an accomplished C-Suite business leader who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Starheel Ventures, LLC where he manages investments in franchise and retail assets. 

Prior to Starheel Ventures, Lyerly served as CEO and Board Member of CKE Restaurants, Inc (2019 – 2023), heading two brands, Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., with a global footprint of  4,000 restaurants generating $5 billion in systemwide sales. Lyerly led CKE’s overarching business, people and development strategies to drive growth and profitability. Previously, Lyerly was CKE’s President, International, responsible for the growth of the CKE international footprint to 1,000+ restaurants. Prior to that role, he was Executive Vice President of Global Franchise Development where he oversaw franchise development for the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. brands in the United States and around the world. Over his 35 year career, Lyerly has held positions in many functional disciplines including: Senior Vice President International, Director - International Finance and Marketing, Director - Domestic Finance, Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis.

Lyerly is a Certified Franchise Executive and currently serves on various boards including the International Franchise Association, Weatwell Inc. and advisory boards at Altir Industries, Inc, USA Cares, LLC and The Rosenberg Center of Franchising.   He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.