Qdoba, Portillo's, Ruby Slipper & More: Key Culinary & Marketing Appointments
Qdoba has appointed Katy Velazquez as its new vice president, culinary innovation. Meanwhile, Jon Burke takes over as chief marketing officer, replacing Mike Ellis who is leaving Portillo's. In other news, Bryan Bass and Ryan Russell have been promoted to chief marketing officer roles at Ruby Slipper and SPB Hospitality respectively. Andie Smirl and Michele Brogioni have joined Houston TX Hot Chicken and Manhatta restaurant as directors, while Peter Wright has been appointed vice president of franchising for Jollibee Group North America.
Katy Velazquez brings her culinary expertise to Qdoba, having previously served as the senior director of culinary innovation at Chipotle. Jon Burke, who started as vice president, national marketing in 2023, takes on the chief marketing officer role, succeeding Mike Ellis who is departing Portillo's on October 31.
Bryan Bass, formerly the vice president of marketing at Ruby Slipper, has been promoted to chief marketing officer. Ryan Russell, who has been with SPB Hospitality since 2018, has been promoted to chief of staff. Andie Smirl, previously with Raising Cane's, joins Houston TX Hot Chicken as director of franchise sales. Michele Brogioni, who has worked at renowned restaurants like The French Laundry and Per Se, takes the helm as executive chef at Manhatta. Peter Wright, with extensive franchising experience, has been appointed vice president of franchising for Jollibee Group North America.
These appointments and promotions reflect the ongoing evolution of leadership in the food and hospitality industry. Each new role brings fresh perspectives and expertise to drive innovation, marketing, and growth for these prominent brands.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
