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Dickey’s names Diana LaRocca CMODickey’s names Diana LaRocca CMO

LaRocca promoted from vice president position to newly created role

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

November 16, 2015

1 Min Read
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Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants Inc. has promoted Diana LaRocca to the newly created position of chief marketing officer, the company said Friday.

LaRocca most recently served as vice president of marketing for Dallas-based Dickey’s. A company spokeswoman said the new CMO title was created to complement the existing chief brand officer position at the company

“We know [LaRocca] is the right fit to fulfill the role of CMO, and we look forward to her lending her talents in creating innovative and effective campaigns," Roland Dickey Jr., Dickey’s CEO, said in a statement.

In her new role, Diana will oversee the barbecue brand’s research, digital media, communications and the company’s recently expanded local-store marketing department.

Prior to Dickey’s, LaRocca served in leadership roles directing marketing, communications and training for Capital One, Legacy Texas Bank and Guaranty Bank.

“This is an exciting time for the fast-casual industry, and especially for Dickey's, as the chain continues to rapidly expand,” LaRocca said in a statement.
 
Dickey’s, founded in 1941, has about 520 locations in 43 states.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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