Chief marketing Jay Livingston to leave the company at the end of March
Shake Shack has promoted Steph So to the position of chief growth officer and has hired Luke DeRouen as chief communications officer. Both report directly to chief executive officer Rob Lynch. The chain’s chief marketing officer, Jay Livingston, will work in a “special project role,” until the end of March, when he will leave the company, according to a release announcing the appointments.
Additionally, Nancy Combs has been named senior vice president of “culinary and calendar innovation,” overseeing menu strategy and culinary innovation.
Steph So was previously Shake Shack’s senior vice president of digital experience. In that position she helped drive digital growth by enhancing the chain’s app and web site and launching marketing campaigns with third-party delivery companies. In her new role she oversees digital marketing and experience, promotional strategy, consumer analytics, and culinary innovation. Combs reports directly to her.
DeRouen most recently was executive vice president of Zeno Group, a communications agency based in Atlanta. Prior to that he was CMO of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. He also held marketing and communications positions with Inspire Brands, specifically Buffalo Wild Wings and Arby’s. DeRouen was at Arby’s when Lynch was its CMO and brand president.
Combs’ experience includes roles in digital strategy at Papa Johns when Lynch was CEO there, and product development and brand innovation roles at Arby’s with Lynch.
Between her time at Arby’s and Papa Johns she spent a little over a year as vice president of marketing for Taco Mac Restaurant Group, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“Shake Shack is at a pivotal moment of growth and evolution, and we’re thrilled to welcome both Steph and Luke to our leadership team,” Lynch said in a statement. “Their expertise and passion for brand-building will be instrumental in shaping our future, deepening our guest connections, and expanding Shake Shack’s footprint while staying true to our roots of exceptional quality and hospitality.
“I’d also like to thank Jay Livingston for his leadership and contributions in growing the Shake Shack brand over the past six years,” he said. “He’s built an incredible team across a broad range of functions that drive our business.”
Shake Shack, based in New York City, is a fast-casual burger chain with more than 370 restaurants in 34 states as well as around 200 licensed international locations.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
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