CANTON Mass. Dunkin' Donuts has hired a former product and packaging developer for the domestic beverage operations of PepsiCo as its new brand marketing officer.
Frances Allen is responsible for development and execution of the doughnut chain's marketing and advertising strategies, as well as the development and launch of new products, said Dunkin', a division of multi-concept franchisor Dunkin' Brands. The concern's other restaurant concepts are Togo's and Baskin-Robbins.
Allen joins Dunkin' Donuts from telephone giant Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, where she served as vice president of marketing. Earlier she served as vice president of innovation for Pepsi-Cola North America, with responsibility for developing new products, packaging, equipment and merchandising materials for the PepsiCo holding. Dunkin' has been focusing on the addition of new hot and cold beverages in recent years, setting a pattern that has since been followed by a number of other players in the quick-service sector.
In announcing Allen's appointment, Dunkin' noted that she is joining the all-franchised chain as it pushes beyond its eastern stronghold into such areas as Las Vegas; Austin and Dallas, Texas; and Phoenix, Ariz. Allen's post was newly created.
Dunkin' franchises 7,200 restaurants in 30 countries.
