Maggiano’s appoints KFC exec to marketing role

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Name: Mike Wesley

New title: Vice president of marketing, Maggiano’s Little Italy

Previous title: Vice president of brand marketing, KFC U.S.

Wesley brings over 20 years of marketing experience in the restaurant and consumer products sectors, according to his LinkedIn profile . He spent the last 14 years at Yum Brands serving in various marketing positions for KFC. In his most recent role at the chicken chain, he developed key initiatives across the national calendar, including various menu and brand innovations, according to a press release .

Prior to his stint at KFC, Wesley worked for over three years at Procter & Gamble in the North America Oral Health and Global Home Care categories, where he helped enhance brand awareness, loyalty and market share.

In his new position, Wesley will drive key marketing and promotional strategies and build Maggiano’s brand as Brinker’s Italian chain enters its next stage of development.

His expertise and guidance will aid the evolution of Maggiano’s culinary offerings and dining standards, the company said — a process that started with the appointment of Dominique Bertolone as the brand’s president last year. Earlier this year, the chain hired Chef Antony Amoroso as vice president of innovation and growth, who helped guide the chain to revitalize the menu with new dishes and returning favorites . Maggiano’s is also in the process of remaking its dining rooms.

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