Quiznos on Thursday promoted global chief marketing officer Susan Lintonsmith to the role of president and CEO.
Lintonsmith, who joined the Denver-based chain as CMO in 2012, replaces interim president and CEO Katie Scherping, who has left the company to pursue another opportunity, Quiznos said.
Scherping was also chief financial officer, and has been replaced by Christina Maxwell, the chain’s former senior vice president of finance and accounting.
Scherping had taken over the position from Doug Pendergast, who stepped down as president and CEO in June after 18 months with the brand.
Lintonsmith has led the revitalization of Quiznos marketing efforts with a focus on quality ingredients, menu improvements and simplification to reenergize store-level growth and economics, the company said.
She was instrumental in opening the China market and leading the launch of Quiznos Grill, a fast-casual variation on the brand.
Prior to joining Quiznos, Lintonsmith was CMO of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. Previous experience included stints with White Wave Foods/Horizon Organic; Western Union; Coca-Cola Co. and Pizza Hut.
“Susan has a real passion for the restaurant industry and has been a vital contributor to Quiznos’ successful brand evolution over the last four years,” said Doug Benham, Quiznos’ chairman, in a statement.
“During her tenure, Susan has consistently translated menu and marketing innovation into operational value. With Quiznos’ 35th anniversary celebration underway, I have the utmost confidence in the future of our brand under Susan’s leadership.”
Not including interim CEO Scherping, Lintonsmith is the fourth CEO Quiznos has had over the past five years.
She comes at a time when the chain is shrinking domestically, but growing internationally. Quiznos has 667 domestic units and 626 international locations, down from more than 5,000 in 2006.
Quiznos emerged from bankruptcy in 2014 following a restructuring and controlling interest is held by a group of private-equity investors, including Oaktree Capital Management, Fortress Investment Group, Caspian Capital Advisors, MSD Capital LP and others.
In a statement, Lintonsmith said, “I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the Quiznos team of dedicated and talented professionals. I look forward to working alongside the management team, team members and franchisees to add value to the entire Quiznos system by serving our guests and creating sustainable growth.”
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