This is the latest installment in a series that highlights major executive changes at top fast casual, QSR and casual dining chains over the past week.
Several restaurant chains, including IHOP, Johnny Rockets and Denny's, have turned to international growth to combat slower U.S. sales as the market becomes saturated. California Pizza Kitchen hired an EVP in November to focus on international expansion. Dunkin' Brands is the latest to build a team focused on specific markets and regions abroad. It divided its leadership by regions to allow for a more focused approach.
Check out the latest updates below:
Jan. 30
Dunkin' Brands: The company appointed three VPs to its international team Thursday, according to a press release. It promoted Rini Ernawati to Regional VP, Asia Pacific, and Caner Gursoy to regional VP, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australia. Ashish Asthana joined the company as VP of international marketing.
"These appointments are another measure of our efforts to make Dunkin' Brands a more field-centric organization so that our decision-making process is more nimble and occurs closer to the consumer," Dave Hoffmann, Dunkin' Brands CEO, said in the press release.
Ernawati, who had over 15 years of multinational experience in finance and general management prior to joining Dunkin', has worked on driving growth for large brands such as McDonald's and Johnson & Johnson.
Gursoy began his career at Dunkin’ Brands in 2012 and previously worked at Gloria Jean’s Coffees. Asthana worked as an executive at The Coca-Cola Company for over 20 years prior to joining Dunkin’ Brands.
Jan. 29
Paris Baguette: Pete Bell is the bakery-cafe’s newest chief marketing officer, according to Nation's Restaurant News. He previously worked at Twin Peaks Restaurants and Specialty Brands Holdings. This news comes a few weeks after the company promoted Darren Tipton to CEO of its American operations, following the promotion of Jack Moran to global CEO.
Jan. 27
MOD Pizza: John Maguire, who became president of the company after Paul Twohig retired, has also been given the title of chief operating officer, according to Restaurant Business. Maguire has been at the company since 2018 and has worked at Friendly’s, Johnny Rockets Group and Panera Bread.
