Tropical Smoothie Café names former Arby’s exec Deborah von Kutzleben as new chief marketing officerTropical Smoothie Café names former Arby’s exec Deborah von Kutzleben as new chief marketing officer

Quick-service chain Tropical Smoothie Café has named Deborah von Kutzleben its new chief marketing officer, the brand announced Wednesday. She assumed the role on Nov. 1.

Von Kutzleben most recently served as the vice president of brand strategy, advertising and menu at quick-service chain Arby’s. Prior to that, she spent over two decades at advertising firm BBDO Worldwide where she served as executive vice president and senior director. There, she led campaign strategy for national brands.

"Deborah has a strong track record of creating and executing strategies to take brands to the next level, and we believe she can help us elevate Tropical Smoothie Cafe to become a household name," said Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Café, LLC, in a statement. "With her purpose-driven approach, she is the right leader to drive guest awareness and connection with the brand as we remain focused on our aggressive growth initiatives."

Von Kutzleben, left, will report to Watson and will manage marketing strategy, menu innovation, and brand perception for the Atlanta-based chain. This role will increase the power of the C-suite for Tropical Smoothie Café after the promotion of exec Richard Key to chief operations officer in September.

"Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers an incredible opportunity with a growing brand that is pioneering a new paradigm in healthier eating and community involvement," said Von Kutzleben in a statement. "I look forward to making a positive impact and inspiring better for our franchisees, their crew members, guests and the support center team."

Tropical Smoothie Café currently has over 1,100 stores nationwide.