Wienerschnitzel has named Doug Koegeboehn chief marketing officer, the company said Thursday.
Koegeboehn replaces Tom Amberger, former vice president of marketing, who retired in December from the hot dog chain’s parent company, Galardi Group Inc., after 20 years. In addition to Wienerschnitzel, Irvine, Calif.-based Galardi Group franchises the Hamburger Stand and Tastee Freez brands.
Koegeboehn was most recently a group account director at DGWB Advertising, Wienerschnitzel’s ad agency of record. He began working with the brand’s account in 1995, including advertising and promotions to menu strategy and new products, the company said.
While at DGWB, Koegeboehn also worked on accounts for the California Avocado Commission, Yogurtland, Dole and El Pollo Loco.
As CMO at Wienerschnitzel, Koegeboehn will lead brand, marketing, digital, menu and overall communications strategy efforts. He will also oversee the newly formed Visionary Department, which intends to build brand loyalty among a younger demographic. Chief visionary officer J.R. Galardi, the son of founder John Galardi, also works in the department.
“I am beyond excited about my new role on Wienerschnitzel’s management team because I absolutely love the brand and I’m committed to helping take this beloved iconic brand to the next level,” Koegeboehn said in a statement.
In recent months, the 350-unit quick-service chain has become the official hot dog sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross, a North Carolina-based professional supercross and motocross team. The relationship has lead to other cross-promotional partnerships with companies like Toyota, 4 Wheel Parts and Smittybilt, which are also tied to racing events.
Watch Wienerschnitzel at Joe Gibbs Mx Test Facility >>
In December, Galardi Group closed two Two Madres Mexican Kitchen restaurants, which opened in 2013 as a fast-casual test concept. Company officials said they decided to refocus efforts on the core Wienerschnitzel brand.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
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