Inspire Brands announced the promotion of Darin Dugan from Sonic Drive-In vice president to chief marketing officer of Jimmy John’s. Dugan will be replacing John Shea as CMO of the quick-service sandwich chain and will oversee brand marketing and planning, menu and new product development, advertising and digital (including media), and loyalty programs.
“Darin has proven he can do it all over the course of his remarkable career,” brand president James North said in a statement. “His leadership, creativity, innovation and singular focus on guest experience will help accelerate the growth of Jimmy John’s. I look forward to partnering with Darin and realize his bold new vision for the brand.”
Prior to joining the Champaign, Ill.-based chain, Dugan served as vice president of national marketing for Sonic Drive-In, where he worked closely on brand management, media, creative and social interactions, as well as menu innovation. and he also worked as a senior vice president of Applebee’s, had multiple roles over 13 years at Kraft Foods Group, and worked on brand management at MillerCoors.
“I’ve been an admirer of Jimmy John’s for a long time, especially its commitment to quality, customer service and digital innovation,” Dugan said in a statement. “I look forward to joining this award-winning team and helping the brand reach its tremendous growth potential.”
Inspire Brands — majority-owned by affiliates of Atlanta-based Roark Capital — purchased Jimmy John’s in October 2019. The company currently has more than 11,100 locations.
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