Church's Chicken names Robert Crews EVP, CMO

Church’s Chicken has hired Robert Crews as its executive vice president and chief marketing officer, the company said Monday.

Crews most recently led international marketing and product development at The Wendy’s Co. Prior to that, he served in marketing executive roles with Rare Hospitality Inc. and Sonny’s Franchise Company, as well as founding C Results Marketing, which consulted brands like Arby’s and California Pizza Kitchen.

In his new role at Church’s, Crews will oversee marketing, advertising and new product development. He will report to chief executive Jim Hyatt, who joined the brand last September after resigning as chief executive of Così Inc.

“Rob has a proven tracked record of growing sales and developing effective marketing programs that deliver impactful results,” Hyatt said in a statement. “His reputation and skill set will bring a tremendous amount of value to the brand. Rob joining Church’s management team strengthens our commitment to providing the best products and services to all our stakeholders.”

Church’s spokeswoman Bonnie Warschauer confirmed that the chief marketing officer role had been vacant since Anthony Lavely left the brand in 2011, eventually becoming chief marketing officer for Friendly’s Ice Cream LLC.

“I’m very excited to join Church’s and look forward to working with our franchisees, restaurant support teams and value partners to contribute to the success of the brand and drive results systemwide,” Crews said.

Crews has a bachelor of science in economics and a master of business administration degree from the University of Iowa.

Atlanta-based Church’s operates or franchises more than 1,700 restaurants in 22 countries.

Contact Mark Brandau at [email protected].
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