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GoTo Foods names Kieran Donahue as new chief commercial officerGoTo Foods names Kieran Donahue as new chief commercial officer

Donahue was chief marketing officer of IHOP for more than three years

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

November 13, 2024

1 Min Read
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GoTo Foods will enter a new era with a new chief commercial officer.GoTo Foods

Joanna Fantozzi

Kieran Donahue, former chief marketing officer of IHOP, has left the Dine Brands company to join GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands) as executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

Donahue joined GoTo Foods this month after more than three years at IHOP, where she led the commercial business for the 1,800-unit chain, launched a digitally integrated loyalty program in 2022, and led all things branding, omnichannel, digital innovation, communications, and social media for the brand.

IHOP confirmed Donahue’s departure in a statement sent to Nation’s Restaurant News:

“After three years at IHOP, Kieran decided to explore other opportunities, and we’re grateful for her contributions and leadership during her tenure. That said, IHOP has launched a national search to fill the CMO role.”

In her new role at GoTo Foods — parent company of Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Cinnabon, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and more — Donahue will develop and drive the omnichannel, global, commercial, and marketing strategy for all seven GoTo Foods brands.

GoTo Foods did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.

Contact Joanna at [email protected]

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About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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