Applebee’s names Blockbuster vet Williams marketing chiefApplebee’s names Blockbuster vet Williams marketing chief

OVERLAND PARK KAN. Applebee’s International Inc. has hired George Williams, a former Blockbuster Inc. and ad agency executive, as chief marketing officer to replace John Cywinski, who resigned last May. —

Williams also will be responsible for the chain’s food and menu strategy and research and development. He will report to Applebee’s chief executive Dave Goebel. Most recently Williams was a private marketing consultant. Before that he was senior vice president of marketing for Blockbuster and worked in marketing positions for Pearle Vision Center, Long John Silver’s and Days Inn. —