Peter Piper Pizza has named industry veteran Genaro Perez as chief marketing officer, the company announced Wednesday.
The Phoenix, Ariz.-based division of CEC Entertainment LLC, owner of the Chuck E. Cheese’s chain, said Perez mostly recently served as senior vice president of marketing at P.F Chang's China Bistro. Perez succeeds Tanya Sparkman in the marketing role.
Perez is returning to the pizza brand. Prior to his role at P.F. Chang’s, where he oversaw advertising, research and development, digital, public relations and promotions, he served as Peter Piper’s vice president of marketing from September 2021 to December 2022. He also worked with Brinker International Inc. and Nokia.
"Genaro's return to Peter Piper as CMO comes at an ideal time as we continue building upon the momentum he helped start as our V.P. of marketing," said David McKillips, CEO of the Irving, Texas-based CEC Entertainment, in a statement. "With Genaro's leadership and deep understanding of the brand and our guests, we expect continued growth and success among all portfolio brands and franchise partners."
In his new CMO role, Perez will oversee marketing strategy, planning and execution for Peter Piper Pizza, Peter Piper Express and Peter Piper Pizzeria. Peter Piper Express is a brand extension launched in 2022.
"It's an exciting time to return to the beloved Peter Piper Pizza brand as we celebrate 50 years of food, family and fun in 2023," Perez said. "The first Peter Piper Pizza opened in 1973, and, since then, we have grown to more than 100 locations in the U.S. and Mexico, with three distinct concepts that will propel the company forward over its next 50 years."
Peter Piper, founded in 1973, has more than 120 locations in the United States and Mexico.
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