Burger King Corporation Announces Marketing Organizational Changes

Burger King Corporation announced organizational changes within its Marketing department that will further align the Company's marketing resources and strategic objectives. These changes are effective immediately.

"These moves reflect my tremendous confidence in a team of deserving professionals who have been responsible for the recent improvements in our business," said Russ Klein, executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "More importantly, these individuals, along with their teams, will help to continue to drive momentum for the brand."

Brian Gies has been promoted to vice president, Marketing Impact, reporting to Klein. In his new role, Gies will lead Burger King Corporation's Marketing Impact Team, responsible for promotions, merchandising, advertising and media planning and buying. Since joining the Company in 1993, Gies has held various positions with increasing responsibility. Most recently, he was senior director, Youth & Family Marketing, responsible for all marketing efforts targeted to kids and their families. Prior to this, he was director, Region Marketing for the Southeast region, as well as manager, National Promotions; and manager, Brand Delivery. Reporting to Gies is Cindy Syracuse, senior director, Sponsorships and Promotions; Gillian Smith, senior director, Media and Global Collaboration; Andy Bonaparte, senior director, Advertising and Multi-Cultural Marketing; and Ben Morse, director, Merchandising, along with their teams.

Cindy Syracuse has been appointed senior director, Sponsorships and Promotions. In her expanded role, Syracuse is responsible for the kids' marketing promotions role previously held by Gies, in addition to her current role of strategic development, planning and execution of all national adult promotions, including new entertainment tie-ins, sponsorships and alliances. Since joining Burger King Corporation in 1993, Syracuse has held various positions within Burger King Corporation including senior director, Marketing Communications; director of Interactive & Adult Promotions; manager of Advertising; and manager of Promotions.

Gillian Smith has been promoted to senior director, Media and Global Collaboration, and is responsible for managing all aspects of Burger King Corporation's media buying and planning, as well as all interactive initiatives. Smith will also spearhead global collaboration efforts for the brand. Prior to this, Smith held a variety of positions at Burger King Corporation, including manager of Advertising; and manager, Product Marketing.

Andy Bonaparte, senior director, Advertising and Multi-Cultural Marketing, expands his current role, which includes responsibility for directing the creative development of all advertising materials related to television, radio and print, and ensuring that Burger King Corporation's marketing efforts have an impact on the Company's growing multi-culturally diverse audience.

Additionally, Mike Kappitt has been promoted to vice president, Consumer Insights & Performance Analysis, reporting directly to Klein. In his new role, Kappitt will serve as the key internal consumer advocate, applying key performance measurements at the restaurant level from the customers' point of view that help ensure new products and operational procedures enhance the guest experience. Prior to this, Kappitt was senior director, Performance Analysis. Kappitt replaces Glad Markunas, senior vice president, Consumer Insights & Strategic Branding, who has left Burger King Corporation to pursue other endeavors. "Glad has accomplished much and has worked tirelessly for the BURGER KING(R) brand since joining the Company," said Klein. "She made many important contributions that represent a strong foundation of consumer insight."

In the area of Product Marketing, Burger King Corporation earlier this year, announced the appointment of Denny Post to Chief Concept Officer. Post oversees all product marketing and product development efforts. She reports directly to Klein.

Post and her team, which includes Carlos Ribas, senior director, Product Marketing; John Schaufelberger, senior director, Product Marketing; and Joanne Lichten, chief nutritionist, are responsible for enhancing current menu items, as well as optimizing the product pipeline from research and development to execution in BURGER KING restaurants.

New to Burger King Corporation, Schaufelberger, senior director, Product Marketing, is responsible for managing the Chicken, Salads, Kid's Products, Fish and Veggie portfolios. Prior to joining Burger King Corporation this past June, Schaufelberger was vice president, Marketing, for Arby's in Atlanta. Dawn Foster, who joined Burger King Corporation in 2003 as manager, Product Marketing, has also been promoted to director, Product Marketing, reporting to Schaufelberger. In her new role, Foster is responsible for managing the Chicken, Fish and Veggie portfolios, including new product development, product enhancements and promotional builds.

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Date Listed: 2004-08-05

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Industry: Restaurant
Category: Sales and Marketing
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