Communications exec leaves DineEquity for AramarkCommunications exec leaves DineEquity for Aramark

Tod MacKenzie is leaving his position as senior vice president for communications and public affairs at DineEquity Inc. to join foodservice firm Aramark.

MacKenzie said he is leaving DineEquity at the end of July, and will begin his new position as senior vice president of communications for Philadelphia-based Aramark in August.

The move was an opportunity MacKenzie said he couldn’t pass up.

Prior to joining DineEquity in November 2010, MacKenzie was senior vice president of corporate communications at PepsiCo, where he worked with Eric Foss, formerly PepsiCo’s chief executive, who is now president and CEO of Aramark.

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Aramark provides foodservice, facility management and uniform services to hospitals, universities, sports arenas, entertainment venues, and businesses in 22 countries around the world.

At DineEquity, MacKenzie was responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications and public affairs programs for the Glendale, Calif.-based company’s two brands: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP.

Under the two brands, the company operates and franchises more than 3,600 restaurants in 17 countries.

DineEquity is planning to launch a search for MacKenzie’s replacement.

MacKenzie’s move will mark second high-level departure at DineEquity in recent weeks. Becky Johnson left her position as senior vice president of marketing and culinary for Applebee’s, the company confirmed earlier this month.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout