Former Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Burger King leader Hope Diaz has been named the new chief marketing officer for Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc.
The Addison, Texas-based parent company of fast-casual restaurant brands Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana said Diaz will start in the newly created company role Sept. 16.
Diaz, left, who will focus her efforts on boosting the image of Pollo Tropical, will be based in the company’s Miami office.
She most recently worked as global chief marketing officer at Popeyes, where she led the brand’s restaurant image initiatives. Fiesta said she was part of the team that developed the marketing campaign behind the nationwide rollout Popeyes' new chicken sandwich, which has since sold out due to popular demand. She led the culinary team that developed the product, as well, Fiesta said.
She’s held a variety of roles at Restaurant Brands International. As the head of global innovation and guest understanding at Burger King, she spearheaded research and analytics projects.
Fiesta CEO and president Richard Stockinger said Diaz “brings to us significant experience and expertise in marketing and brand analytics.
“Being a Miami native, Hope is very familiar with our Pollo Tropical brand and its potential. Her initial efforts will be focused on bringing its marketing and branding initiatives to the next level,” he said in a statement.
Pollo Tropical has about 140 locations. Taco Cabana has about 165 units.
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Update, Sept. 9: This story was edited to include new information about Diaz.