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Fogo de Chão names Georgeanne Erickson CMOFogo de Chão names Georgeanne Erickson CMO

The churrascaria chain appoints a new marketing chief from Krispy Kreme

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

February 5, 2025

1 Min Read
Fogo de Chão Georgeanne Erickson CMO
Fogo de Chão names Georgeanne Erickson as chief marketing officer.Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão, the churrasco dining concept, has appointed Georgeanne Erickson as its chief marketing officer, the company said Wednesday.

The Plano, Texas-based company said Erickson will lead the company’s global marketing strategy, brand evolution, menu innovation, and guest engagement initiatives. She most recently served as U.S. CMO for Krispy Kreme.

Erickson succeeds Janet Gieselman, who announced her retirement in December after spending more than a decade with Fogo, six years of which she served as CMO.

“As Fogo continues to expand its footprint domestically and abroad, we are thrilled to welcome Georgeanne to our executive leadership team,” Barry McGowan, Fogo de Chão CEO, said in a statement. “Her strategic vision and proven expertise in brand building will be instrumental in shaping the future of Fogo and enhancing our ability to connect with guests in meaningful ways.”

Fogo is slated this year to its first national loyalty program to build frequency and a new marketing campaign to drive brand awareness.

“I’m honored to join a beloved brand at an exciting time in its evolution,” Erickson said. “Fogo de Chão’s rich heritage, unique dining experience, and passionate community of guests provide an incredible foundation for innovation and growth.”

Related:48 restaurant executives on the move in January, including at Taco Bell, Starbucks, and Outback Steakhouse

Prior to Krispy Kreme, Erickson spent nearly a decade at Pizza Hut, ultimately ascending to the role of chief brand officer. She earlier worked in marketing and advertising roles at Romano’s Macaroni Grill and the advertising agency GSD&M.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

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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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