FAT Brands announced Tuesday the promotion of Jenn Johnston — former president of the Los Angeles-based company’s quick-service division — to chief marketing officer. As a result of her promotion, FAT Brands has announced the appointment of Allison Lauenstein to brand president of Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery, and Pretzelmaker; and David Pear to brand president of Round Table Pizza.
As president of the FAT Brands quick-service division, Johnston oversaw all four brands, which were formerly a part of Global Franchise Group, purchased by FAT Brands in June 2021. Before that, she held multiple executive leadership positions at Global Franchise Group for more than a decade—most recently as president and chief brand officer of the group.
“As FAT Brands continues to evolve and grow, we saw an opportunity to expand Jenn’s role to impact the larger organization,” Thayer Wiederhorn, COO of FAT Brands said in a statement. “Her unique marketing and operations background will enable us to develop impactful campaigns that increase brand visibility and drive profitable sales across our 17 concepts.”
Before being appointed brand president, Lauenstein held multiple leadership roles at Global Franchise Group, most recently as chief innovation officer. According to FAT Brands, Lauenstein launched several initiatives at GFG, including the unlimited mix-ins platform at Marble Slab Creamery and the co-branded model of Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery. She also spent 13 years at Dunkin’ Brands in brand marketing and strategic planning roles.
David Pear, before assuming the role of president at Round Table Pizza, served as vice president of strategic initiatives at 360-unit franchise organization, Desert De Oro Food. He also previously held multiple leadership roles at Del Taco and Yum Brands.
“Allison has a great track record with Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery, and Pretzelmaker; we expect a seamless integration into her new role and immediate value to the brands,” Wiederhorn said. “On the other hand, David brings exciting insights from his outside experience, which we also expect will bring immediate results. We are fortunate to have them both join our talented management team.”
This is not the only executive leadership news FAT Brands has announced in the past month. After former CEO Andy Wiederhorn stepped down in March amid legal challenges, the company announced this month two co-CEOs that would be taking over the role of CEO as the company faces financial troubles and legal scrutiny.
Contact Joanna at [email protected]