Denny’s Hires a New CMO: Frances Allen
Denny’s Corp. has hired Frances Allen as its new chief marketing officer and executive vice president. The position took effect yesterday.
Allen brings nearly 25 years of restaurant and retail experience to Denny’s, including several leadership positions with Dunkin’ Brands, Pepsi-Cola, Sony Ericsson and Frito-Lay. She will be responsible for executing marketing strategies and campaigns, advertising and new programs across the Denny’s brand to drives sales, profitability and value, the company said.
Debra Smithart-Oglesby has been acting as interim chief executive officer and board chair of Denny’s.
“We believe her ability to drive brand reputation through compelling marketing campaigns will play an important role at Denny’s,” she said. “Ms. Allen will be responsible for enhancing the focus of our national and local marketing efforts in order to re-energize and grow the Denny’s brand.”
Allen worked for Dunkin’ Brands as chief marketing officer from 2007 to 2009 where she executed extensive marketing efforts, including category management and price, packaging and promotion for over 6,000 U.S. based stores.
Prior to that, she held the positions of vice president of marketing at Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication; vice president of Wellness and ‘PO1 Marketing for Pepsi-Cola; director of international advertising with Frito-Lay; and senior vice president with DMB&B based in Hong Kong.
