16
Apr
2024

MARCO’S PIZZA — John Meyers was appointed Chief Operating Officer for the Toledo-based pizza brand, responsible for overseeing several departments, including technology, supply chain and operations. He most recently was the company’s Senior Vice President of Finance & Business Intelligence. Meyers’ 25-plus years of foodservice experience also includes roles with Darden Restaurants and The Walt Disney Co.

LOBOS 1707 — The tequila and mezcal brand recently named three industry veterans to its leadership team. Joanna Darst was named new Vice President of Consumer and Digital Marketing responsible for leading the brand’s consumer communications strategy, media mix, digital strategy, content strategy, digital channel management and ROI attribution. Elaine King assumed the role of Vice President of Trade Promotions and Strategic Partnerships, while Joel Selsnick was named new Vice President of Broad Market Sales.

Additionally, Frank Schulman was promoted to Vice President of National & Strategic. He previously served as Regional Director of Sales.

NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION — Sue Hensley returned to the association as Senior Vice President of Member Engagement, where she will lead the newly established Member Engagement Department focused on strengthening the association’s connections with its members and ensuring their needs remain at the forefront of its programs, products and initiatives. For more than a decade, Hensley led the association’s Public Affairs and Communications teams. She most recently was Executive Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for the American Trucking Associations.

Dr. Chad Moutray joined the association’s Research and Knowledge team as Vice President of Research and Knowledge. He most recently was Chief Economist for the National Association of Manufacturers.

Christopher Kenny was named Vice President of Marketing for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. He will lead the marketing strategy for the NRAEF’s work, including ProStart, Restaurant Ready, Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society (HOPES), Military, the Restaurant and Hospitality Leadership Center, and scholarships, as well as NRAEF events. Kenny most recently led Global Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives at Spotify, and also was Director of Brand for the Society for Human Resource Management.

TRACTOR BEVERAGE — Duke Stump was named Chief Brand Officer. Stump previously worked for brands such as Seventh Generation, Nike, Lululemon, and Lime. He replaces Justin Herber, who left the company’s executive team to concentrate on the Farmhand Foundation, a philanthropic initiative spearheaded company founders Griffin Barkley and Justin Schneir to encourage farmers to embrace organic and regenerative farming methods.

CHUCKLE — Leon Solimani was named President of the high-proof, fruit-flavored rum brand. Most recently, he was Regional On Premise Sale Marketing Director at Red Bull and previously was Global Brand Director at AB InBev and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Floral Beverage.

Brand Co-Founder Dab Shuff has served as President since the brand launched in 2022 and assumes the position of Chief Operating Officer.

ARRYVED — Aaron MJ Gore was named Director of Partnerships and Community for the point-of-sale system and guest engagement platform. Most recently, he was the Senior Director of Business Development at Bevana Partners. Prior to that, he founded Fresh Pitch Beverage Consulting and also held roles with Granite Falls Brewing Co., Big Boss Brewing and Finch Beer Co. He will represent the company at events across the country, including the Ohio Brewers Conference.

 

Who’s News summaries are compiled from news releases provided by the companies.