Newk’s Eatery has promoted Alan Wright to the newly created position of chief marketing officer, the company said Thursday.
Wright joined Jackson, Miss.-based Newk’s Eatery in March 2013 as vice president of marketing, and most recently served as vice president of marketing and franchise operations.
“Alan’s strategic eye and seasoned management have been essential to the strengthening and increased visibility of the Newk’s brand in recent years, along with our accelerated operational growth,” Chris Newcomb, Newk’s co-founder and CEO, said in a statement.
“In his new role, Alan will continue this brand momentum and provide critical vision for Newk’s future marketing initiatives,” he said.
Wright will oversee marketing strategy for Newk’s company-owned fast-casual restaurants, as well as for systemwide efforts in its franchise territories, the company said.
Prior to Newk’s, Wright served in marketing leadership positions at The Krystal Co. and Hardee’s Food Systems.
In Nation’s Restaurant News’ recent Next 20 report, Newk’s recorded $141.6 million in U.S. foodservice sales for the latest fiscal year ended December 2014. That was an increase of 22.2 percent over the preceding year.
Newk’s Eatery, founded in 2004, in Oxford, Miss., has 82 units in 13 southern states.
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