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.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe joins a long list of restaurant companies, which includes Shake Shack, Checkers & Rally's, Papa John's, Subway, Focus Brands, Ruby Tuesday, Chilli's, Wendy's, to hire or promote new CMOs this year. Marketing executive turnover has been particularly high this year, especially as restaurants grapple with the increased role technology is playing in the space and many companies have been picking executives with a strong tech background. Some companies have been splitting the role into two, as with the case of Taco Bell and McDonald's. With Dunkin’s CMO stepping down in November, it will be interesting to see who will come in to fill this role, and how the company will look at this role in the years to come.
Check out more on these executive changes and others from this week below:
Oct. 17
Tropical Smoothie Cafe: The fast casual cafe hired two C-suite executives: Mark Montini as chief marketing officer and Michael Lapid as chief information and digital officer, according to a press release. Montini, who has 20 years of leadership experience, joins the company after working at Floor Coverings International. Lapid previously worked at Papa John’s International as VP of global digital technology.
Oct. 16
Waitr Holdings: Jeff Yurecko, chief financial officer, will resign from his position Nov. 1, and board members Sue Collyns and Scott Fletcher have also resigned, according to a press release. Their resignations are not related to any disagreement with the company over its operations, policies or practices. The company has commenced a search to fill all three of these positions.
Oct. 15
Dunkin’ Brands: Tony Weisman, chief marketing officer of Dunkin’ U.S., will step down from his position Dec. 1, according to a press release. Weisman, who served in his position for two years, will help with the search for his replacement. He is leaving his position to pursue other opportunities. Weisman helped spearhead the company's rebrand. Until a new CMO is appointed, the marketing department will report to Dave Hoffman, Dunkin' Brands CEO and Dunkin’ U.S. president.
