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Donatos names Christina Jackson chief people officerDonatos names Christina Jackson chief people officer

Jackson previously worked at Designer Brands footwear and accessories company as a leader of diversity equity and inclusion

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

August 22, 2022

1 Min Read
christina jackson
Prior to joining the Donatos team, Christina Jackson worked for Designers Brands, Inc.Donatos

Joanna Fantozzi

Dontatos Pizza announced Monday that the Columbus, Ohio-based pizza brand hired former Designer Brands diversity and equity leader Christina Jackson as its new chief people officer, effective Aug. 29.

“I am excited for Christina to join our family,” Kevin King, president of Donatos, said in a statement.  “Our people are our most valuable resource, and her vast experience in various strategic leadership roles in the people services field will guide us in our daily focus of being a preferred workplace where every associate is encouraged to be their authentic self.”

Prior to joining the Donatos team, Jackson worked for Designers Brands, Inc. (parent company of DSW Shoes) footwear and accessories company for nearly two years. In total, she has had 20 years of experience in people-facing and HR roles at OhioHealth healthcare and Bath & Body Works.

In her new role, Jackson will oversee the people services department and will report directly to Kevin King. She will be charged with creating a “strong, inclusive and diverse people program” and enhancing Donatos company culture within its 200-store portfolio.

“What I’m most excited about is working for a values-based company I literally grew up with that supports my style of leading with love, putting people first, doing the right thing and giving back to the community,” Jackson said in a statement she released on LinkedIn. “I am also grateful for the chance I will have to broaden my People Services skillset, stretch beyond my current capabilities and support Donatos on the journey to becoming a billion-dollar company.”

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About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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