Rita’s Italian Ice has named former Arby’s executive Robin Seward chief marketing officer, the company said Thursday.
Seward, who replaces Laura Lazar, will lead the development and execution of marketing strategies and research and development at the 600-unit Italian ice chain. She was most recently vice president of brand marketing for Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc.
“We’re thrilled to have Robin as part of our executive team at Rita’s,” said Jeff Moody, CEO of Rita’s Franchise Company. “Her broad experience, creativity and fresh perspective is just what we need to continue to grow the brand both nationally and globally.”
Seward will oversee a team of 10 marketing and customer experience specialists, along with research and development professionals.
At Arby’s, Seward developed a new brand positioning campaign and expanded social listening capabilities to improve interaction and crisis identification. She was also involved in a viral tweet about performer Pharrell Williams’ hat, which resembles Arby’s logo, during last year’s Grammy Awards. The tweet gave Arby’s considerable digital exposure.
Her previous experience also includes stints at Burger King and Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
Trevose, Pa.-based Rita’s is aggressively expanding internationally, with locations in the Philippines and plans to move into Canada and the Middle East, the company said.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
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