Popeye’s Ushers in New CMO

AFC Enterprises, the parent company for Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits restaurants, has named Richard Lynch its chief marketing officer.

Lynch, 53, has served as interim chief marketing officer since Robert Calderin resigned from the post last October after two years holding the job. The appointment takes effect March 1.

As the marketing head, Lynch will oversee all marketing and advertising for the fast food chain.

Prior to joining AFC Enterprises, Lynch was a principal of Go LLC, a marketing consulting firm specializing in restaurant and food retail. In that role, he helped develop brand strategy and innovation plans for companies including Burger King, Ruby Tuesday and Buffalo Wild Wings.

The company also named Ralph Bower, 45, its chief operation officer of the Popeye’s brand, effective immediately.