Feb 24 (Reuters) - Fast-food restaurant chain Jack in

the Box said on Monday its CEO, Darin Harris, is

stepping down but will remain as a consultant through March 14.

Harris, who has been at the helm for nearly five years, has

accepted a new position outside of the restaurant industry, the

company said.

Jack in the Box's finance chief Lance Tucker, who joined in

January, has been appointed to serve as interim principal

executive officer, effective February 24.

The San Diego, California-based company has been grappling

with weaker demand as consumers have pulled back spending owing

to rising inflationary woes.