Global Franchise Group, a franchisor of multiple brands including Hot Dog on a Stick, Great American Cookies and Round Table Pizza, has named Chris Cheek as the company’s new chief development officer.
Cheek is a 20-year veteran who previously led franchise development teams at Newk's Eatery, Toppers Pizza and Freebirds World Burrito. He also worked as vice president of franchise development for Le Duff America, the parent company of La Madeleine and Brioche Doree. Cheek, who started Oct. 14, replaces Tim Linderman.
At GFG, the company said Cheek (left) will lead franchise brand expansion, new store development, construction and international growth. The company, which generates systemwide sales of nearly $1 billion a year, operates more than 1,400 franchised and corporate stores in 16 countries.
The Atlanta-based company also announced other promotions this week: Annica Conrad, formerly executive vice president of Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery, is the executive vice president of brand marketing. In that role, she will now oversee strategic marketing efforts for all GFG brands. Lisa Cheatham, former senior director of marketing for Pretzelmaker, takes on the role of vice president of growth marketing. She will oversee e-commerce, merchandising and licensing for all brands, which is a major focus for the organization.
Pam Maxwell, former vice president of operations for Marble Slab Creamery and Great American Cookies, takes on the role of vice president of franchise operations.
"As the footprint of Global Franchise Group grows and we look to acquire additional best-in-class brands, the experience and talent within our organization is at an all-time high," Chris Dull, president and CEO, said in a statement.
Global Franchise Group’s brands include Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Marble Slab Creamery, MaggieMoo's Ice Cream & Treatery, Pretzelmaker and Round Table Pizza.
Last year, Los Angeles-based Levine Leichtman Capital Partners sold GFG to private-equity partners, London-based Lion Capital LLP and Toronto-based Serruya Private Equity Inc.
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