The Trabon Group has appointed CFO Shawn Nicholas as its new CEO, replacing owner Tim Trabon.

Trabon has held the CEO title for more than 50 years and will remain as chairman of the Kansas City company. The firm offers marketing, custom software development, printing, fulfillment and distribution services to more than 10,000 restaurants across the country. Trabon took over the company in 1968 on the death of his father, Michael, the founder. He grew it from a printing-centric operation to its current makeup.

“Shawn has had a tremendous impact across our organization,” Trabon said. “This appointment acknowledges his significant contributions to the management and growth of the business in recent years.”

Nicholas is a graduate of Baylor University and joined Trabon as chief financial officer in 2013. He was previously managing director and CFO of the North American operation of Baader.