Gov.-elect Kevin Stitt plans to hire a Sonic Corp. executive as his chief operating officer, a new position he has created to oversee agency accountability reforms that will be central to his agenda.

John Budd, the chief development and strategy officer at the Oklahoma City-based fast food company, has accepted the position, according to multiple sources.

Stitt's office is expected to announce Budd's hire this week.

Stitt, who takes office Jan. 14, said he wanted to hire someone from the private sector for the COO position.