Atlanta — Quick-service chicken restaurant chain Church’s Texas Chicken® has hired Natalia Franco as executive vice president, global chief marketing officer role on March 6, bringing more than 30 years of executive leadership experience to the brand.
In her new role, Franco is responsible for providing a strategic vision for the brand and creatively leading marketing ideation, brand execution and digital prowess across the organization to drive brand awareness and positioning, resulting in continued growth and stronger franchise relationships.
“I’m thrilled to join this iconic brand as it continues on a strong growth trajectory and secures a leading position in the fried chicken category,” says Franco. “It is an exciting time to join a company with such tremendous potential in an exciting, dynamic category.”
Prior to Church’s Texas Chicken®, Franco held numerous executive roles such as executive vice president, chief brand and strategy officer for California Pizza Kitchen; president and founder of Brandmark Global, LLC; senior vice president, chief marketing officer of IHOP under DineEquity; and global chief marketing officer, executive vice president for Burger King. More recently, she was promoted within Focus Brands to be the marketing senior vice president for the non-restaurant brands including Jamba, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon and Carvel. This promotion followed her success as chief marketing officer at McAlister’s Deli.
“Natalia is a veteran marketing executive with whom I previously worked during a major brand acceleration. Her vision for brand positioning and her leadership in building great teams is very strong. Natalia’s expertise will be key as we continue to strengthen and grow this beloved brand,” says Joe Guith, CEO, Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™.
Founded in San Antonio, Texas, in 1952 by George W. Church, Church’s Texas Chicken®, along with its sister brand Texas Chicken™ primarily outside of the U.S., is one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world with more than 1,500 locations in 26 countries and global markets. For more information, visit https://www.churchs.com/franchising/.
SOURCE: Church’s Texas Chicken®