Brinker restaurant division taps a former KFC U.S. executive for the role
Brinker International Inc. has named Mike Wesley as vice president of marketing for its Maggiano's Little Italy division, the company said Monday.
The Dallas-based company said Wesley most recently served as vice president of brand marketing for KFC U.S., a division of Yum Brands, Inc. Prior to the foodservice industry, Wesley held brand positions at Procter & Gamble in North America for the oral health and global home care categories.
At Maggiano’s, Wesley will help evolve culinary offerings and dining standards, which has been in motion since the appointment of Dominique Bertolone as Maggiano's Little Italy's president last year and the addition of chef Anthony Amoroso as vice president of innovation and growth.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Mike to Maggiano’s and know his experience will provide valuable insights to guide the brand brand,” Bertolone said in a statement. “We are certain that his visionary leadership style, combine with his experience in driving brand relevance, will enable us to elevate our marketing strategy.”
Wesley said: "I have had a lifelong passion for hospitality, having grown up in the restaurant industry working alongside my father. My experience at KFC allowed me to partner with various disciplines in service of creating great products and experiences for our restaurants. This next phase of my career certainly builds upon that passion.”
Maggiano’s has 52 casual-dining Italian-American restaurants nationwide. Brinker also owns Chili's Grill and Bar and the It’s Just Wings virtual brand.
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