La Madeleine has named Mark Ramage senior director of franchise development. Ramage brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the franchise development industry. He has also held roles with brands including Wingstop,Twin Peaks and Chicken Guy. In his new role at the French restaurant chain, Ramage will oversee franchise development. He will focus on growth and expansion in 20 key markets, such as Arizona, Colorado and Georgia.
“Mark is a strong business leader and strategist who brings an impressive background with milestone accomplishments from previous leadership roles,” said la Madeleine CEO Christine Johnson in a statement. “As we enter the next 40 years of providing authentic French cuisine, our focus is on expansion through franchising, and we are confident he has the knowledge and expertise to drive unit growth.”
Acurio International, a Peruvian restaurant group, has named Rick Tomich chief marketing officer. Tomich brings over two decades of experience in hospitality to the new role. As CMO, Tomich will lead the brand’s strategic expansion.
“We are fortunate to have a hospitality marketing authority like Rick lead the charge for Acurio International,” said Win Person, chief operating officer of Acurio International, in a statement. “His extensive background with top entertainment restaurant groups and in-depth experience operating on a global market scale, makes him an invaluable asset to the future development of Acurio International’s outstanding restaurant portfolio, and is a key player in our pursuit to raise the prominence of Peruvian food.
True Food Kitchen made three key C-suite appointments this week. The health-focused chain hired former Wendy’s VP Peter Koumas as chief financial officer. Koumas spent more than 11 years at Wendy’s and will focus on strategic investments and growth for True Food. It also hired its first chief growth officer, Daniella Voysey Olsen. She was previously head of marketing, Americas, for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and has also held marketing roles at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and Disneyland. And finally, True Food promoted Mandy Monk to chief people officer. She has worked in employee training and HR at Wingstop, Brinker and Yum Brands and joined True Food Kitchen earlier this year.
Cotton Match Cafe appointed Lisa Case to the role of marketing director. She brings over 18 years of experience to the company. Previously, she held leadership positions at Drive Shack,Dave & Busters and Barefoot.
Also, this week, Red Lobster named a CEO, after a year and a half without a permanent executive in the position. Horace Dawson, previously EVP and General Counsel, will assume the role. Previously, he held general counsel roles at Darden Restaurants and Hard Rock Cafe.
And the Georgia Restaurant Association named Stephanie Fischer CEO. She succeeds Karen Bremer, who retires Oct. 30.
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