Promotions Yield New Presidents at Jerry’s Famous Deli, Lakeshore Unit

* Jerry’s Famous Deli Inc. has promoted Guy Starkman, vice president of operations, to president of the Studio City-based restaurant operator. Financier Kenneth Abdalla had been acting as interim president in charge of acquisitions. Abdalla will remain on the company’s board. The company said an independent committee of the board has been given authority to review any merger proposals or other offers. Last year, a major Jerry’s shareholder proposed taking the company public. The Starkman family owns 51% of the company. The stock has lost 30% since November.

* Stephanie Denton has been promoted to president of Lakeshore International, the film distribution division of Lakeshore Entertainment.

* Joseph Serar has been promoted to principal in charge at the headquarters of Glendora-based NTD Architects.

* Chad Therapeutics Inc. of Chatsworth has named Erika Laskey director of sales and marketing. She previously worked at Mallinckrodt Inc.

* Kelyn Brannon has been appointed chief financial officer of Creative Planet Inc., a Los Angeles-based business-to-business provider of technology solutions for the film and TV production industries. Brannon was chief financial officer at FortPoint.