Pei Wei Asian Diner, the fast-casual division of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc., has named Clay Dover to the newly created position of chief marketing officer, the company said Wednesday.
The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based operator said Dover would oversee marketing, culinary and guest experience initiatives at the Asian-inspired concept.
“I believe we could not be more fortunate to have Clay join our team,” Pei Wei CEO Ralph Bower said. “His track record of driving sales and transactions, while leading some of the strongest brands in the restaurant industry, will be invaluable as we dramatically ramp up growth of the Pei Wei brand.”
Most recently, Dover served for six years as chief marketing officer of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, based in Baton Rouge, La., with corporate support offices in Plano, Texas. He previously worked with such restaurant companies as Chili’s Grill & Bar, Houlihan’s and Metromedia Restaurant Group.
Dover also serves as co-chair of the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group.
“My family and I have been Pei Wei fans and customers for years. I look forward to working with the great Pei Wei team in place and supporting our restaurant operators across the country and around the globe,” Dover said in a statement.
Over the past year, Pei Wei added sushi to its menu and completed a systemwide renovation of its restaurants.
In July 2012, New York-based private-equity firm Centerbridge Partners LP acquired P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. in a $1.1 billion deal that took the company private.
Pei Wei has more than 200 restaurants in 25 states and abroad.
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