LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Wendy's International Inc (WEN.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday it named Steve Farrar to the new position of chief of North America operations, effective April 14.

The hamburger chain said Farrar will be responsible for improving operations at company and franchise restaurants in the United States and Canada. He will report to Chief Operations Officer Dave Near.

Farrar, 57, was senior vice president of Wendy's western region from 1992 until 2006, when he accepted an early retirement package as part of a company restructuring.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein; Editing by Andre Grenon)