Veteran executive Enrique Ramirez has been promoted to CEO of Dallas-based Buff City Soap, a plant-based home and personal care brand franchise, effective June 1. He succeeds Dorvin Lively, who’s retiring from his role as CEO but will remain executive chairman of the board through the end of the year.
“It’s been a privilege to lead Buff City Soap for the last 2.5 years and I’m excited to focus on my role as executive chairman and my five franchise makeries,” Lively said in a statement. “I’m thrilled for Enrique and look forward to our continued partnership on the future of Buff.”
Ramirez joined Buff City Soap in March 2022. The company said he’s been instrumental in leading the continued growth of the brand through his role as president and CFO while serving alongside Lively and the board of directors.
12 years of leadership at Pizza Hut
Ramirez also brings extensive multi-unit franchise experience leading various disciplines for more than 12 years at Yum! Brands’ Plano-based Pizza Hut, including global chief financial officer, chief growth officer, and most recently general manager for Latin America & Iberia.
“I’m honored to take on the role of CEO and continue partnering with our incredible franchisees, our support center staff, and our board of directors,” Ramirez said. “Buff City Soap is a truly special and differentiated brand that uniquely blends customization with plant-based ingredients and incredible scents in handmade products.”
Buff City Soap said it has experienced rapid growth as consumers are drawn to its differentiated, high-quality offering of plant-based soaps, laundry, bath, and body products, which are handmade daily in each store’s Soap Makery.
Founded in 2013, the company and its franchisees operate 240 stores in 30 states with a rapidly growing eCommerce business fulfilled by local makeries nearest guests’ homes across the nation.
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