New England Authentic Eats, LLC, parent to Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo announced a new president and chief marketing officer on Tuesday.
Tom Sterrett, left, who had been serving as chief operating officer for the company since February, was promoted to president. Deena McKinley, who most recently worked as chief experience officer at Mobivity, a marketing platform that works with restaurants such as Subway, Sonic and Baskin Robbins, was hired as CMO. Both executives worked with New England Authentic Eats CEO William Van Epps while he held positions at Papa John’s.
“I’m excited to once again partner with my long-time colleagues alongside the company’s existing executive team to advance our turnaround plans to enhance these iconic brands,” said Van Epps in a release.
Sterrett was a Domino’s franchisee before joining Papa John’s, where he stayed for 18 years holding senior-level roles including directing the company’s international expansion.
Before her time at Mobivity, McKinley, left, worked at Zimmerman Advertising, where her clients included Papa John’s Pizza, Boston Market, and Firehouse Subs. She was also a regional marketing director for Papa John’s International.
“Coming to this company was a compelling opportunity for all of us, driven by the passion of our customers and the loyalty of our talented team,” Van Epps said. “We are poised for the future with a focus on delivering a great customer experience, world-class employee culture, and company growth.”
The moves come four months after the company’s sale to Wynnchurch Capital, LLC, a private equity investment firm. Following the sale to Wynnchurch Capital, the new company was created, New England Authentic Eats, which owns Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo.
This month the company is airing a new television advertising campaign for Papa Gino’s, the brand’s first in four years, which aims to show customers that it is going back to its roots of an “authentic New England pizza experience.” The chain has also begun store updates and renovations and made menu changes.
Papa Gino’s has nearly 100 restaurants in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.
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