DENVER In his first major move since taking the helm of Quiznos Subs, former Burger King chief executive Greg Brenneman has hired a former Presidential speechwriter and one-time marketing hotshot from Yum! Brands to oversee the sandwich chain's marketing worldwide. Simultaneously, Quiznos appointed a new executive to serve as liaison to the chain's franchisees, many of who recently have been at odds with the franchisor.
Steve Provost, a former head of marketing for Yum! Brands Inc., joins Quiznos as executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Provost served as a speechwriter for President George Bush during his unsuccessful campaign against Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential election.
Michael Elliott, founder of Peak Franchise Capital, a franchising and restaurant advisory firm, was named executive vice president of franchise owner assistance.
Both men will report directly to Brenneman, who joined 5,000-unit Quiznos in January when his private-equity company, TurnWorks Inc., bought an undisclosed stake in the franchisor. Brenneman serves as both CEO and president of Quiznos.
Provost, whose 18 years with Yum culminated in his serving as chief marketing and food innovation officer, will be responsible for building Quiznos brand. He was affiliated with Yum's KFC brand for the majority of his time there. Tom Ryan remains in his position as chief concept officer.
Elliot, who worked in franchising and business development with Yum and Burger King, will spearhead Quiznos' effort to create assistance programs for franchisees, including strategies to improve profits.
Quiznos has been embroiled in lawsuits with groups of disgruntled franchisees who have accused the franchisor of violating development agreements and allowing new franchises to encroach on their markets.