Craig Bahner is stepping down as chief marketing officer of The Wendy’s Co. early next year amid a series of leadership changes the company announced Wednesday. The changes are designed to increase the brand’s digital and international development efforts.
Brandon Solano, who joined Wendy’s as senior vice president, marketing in July from his post as vice president, franchise development at Domino’s Pizza, will take over as CMO following “an orderly transition of duties,” the company said Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Todd Penegor, the Dublin, Ohio-chain’s senior vice president and chief financial officer, was promoted to executive vice president, chief financial officer and international, giving him additional oversight of the company’s international division. He will work with Wendy’s international president, Darrell van Ligten.
Penegor also oversees finance, development and information technology.
Meanwhile, Bob Wright, Wendy’s chief operations officer, has added executive vice president to his title. Wright is responsible for company and franchise restaurant operations, and he is also responsible for in-restaurant technologies and customer service improvement.
“Since joining The Wendy’s Company last year, Todd and Bob have made extraordinary contributions to the company and our franchisees,” chief executive Emil Brolick said in a statement. “As we continue the transformation of the Wendy’s brand, the board of directors and I have the highest confidence that Todd’s and Bob’s elevated leadership roles will spur even greater growth and performance.”
The 6500-unit company also said that Abigail Pringle has been promoted to chief development officer from senior vice president, restaurant development and growth initiatives.
Wendy’s also promoted vice president, digital and social media Brandon Rhoten. Rhoten is now vice president of digital experience and will lead the company’s digital marketing efforts.
Wendy’s said the changes are part of the company’s efforts to intensify its commitment to restaurant development and customer facing technology.
“Wendy’s brand relevance and future growth will depend on increasing consumer access to the brand through restaurant development, and will be enabled by consumer-preferred technology investments,” Brolick said in a statement. “We are fortunate to rely on the in-house expertise of Abigail Pringle and Brandon Rhoten to lead our efforts in the areas of restaurant development and the customer’s digital experience.”
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