Applebee's hires marketing exec

LENEXA Kan. Applebee’s said it has named Rebeca Johnson senior vice president of marketing to lead efforts to re-energize the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar brand.

Previously, she served as chief marketing officer for Blockbuster Inc. She also has worked as chief global brand development and marketing officer for Chili's parent Brinker International Inc.

Johnson's specific responsibilities at Applebee's will include overseeing consumer insights, advertising, innovation, and national, field and brand marketing.

Adivision of DineEquity Inc., Applebee’s has nearly 2,000 corporate and franchised restaurants in 49 states and 17 foreign countries.