Los Angeles-Based Entrepreneur Leighton Hull

A Los Angeles-based entrepreneur with more than 35 years of experience, Leighton Hull has owned and operated multiple franchises including McDonald’s, Denny’s and Shell Oil. As a McDonald’s franchisee, he also served on the board of the McDonald’s Operators Association and was chairman of the Ethnic Marketing Committee. He operated 14 Denny’s restaurants in Hawaii, California, and Indiana and served as vice chairman of the board with the Denny’s Franchisee Association. Leighton Hull also headed branding efforts and worked on the search committee to build relationships with national advertising agencies.

In 2003 Mr. Hull became a multi-site operator with Shell Oil Products, acquiring and operating 15 fuel service stations, convenience stores, and car washes throughout Los Angeles. In recognition of his high customer value proposition scores, he received multiple awards. He was also nominated as Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young LLP, Inc. Magazine, and Merrill Lynch and received the Benjamin L. Hooks Business Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

A graduate of Indiana University, Leighton Hull completed YPO CEO programs at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and Harvard Business School.