CANTON Mass. Dunkin’ Brands Inc., parent of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, said Thursday it has appointed John Costello to the newly created post of chief global customer and marketing officer.
He replaces Frances Allen, who resigned after two years with the company. During her tenure, Allen helped roll out Dunkin’s DDSmart healthier choice menu line and helped develop award-winning promotions for the chain’s “America Runs on Dunkin” ad campaign.
In this new post, Costello will lead Dunkin’ Donuts’ U.S. marketing team and oversee the chain’s marketing efforts and brand identity. He also will provide direction for the Baskin-Robbins marketing team.
Costello's experience includes senior executive positions at The Home Depot, Sears, Yahoo, Procter & Gamble Co., and Pepsi-Cola USA.
Nigel Travis, Dunkin’ Brands’ chief executive, described Costello as "one of the most talented marketers and brand builders in the retail industry in America.
"His marketing expertise, combined with his extensive operations background and proven ability to deliver results, makes him uniquely qualified to help further drive our brands’ growth and success worldwide," Travis added.
Costello’s appointment is the company’s second executive team hire this week. On Monday, Dunkin’ said it hired Paul Twohig as its new brand officer. Twohig, however, is now being sued by his former employer, Starbucks, who alleges he broke a noncompete clause in his contract when he accepted a job at rival Dunkin’ Donuts.
Contact Elissa Elan at [email protected].