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Sonic names James O’Reilly CMOSonic names James O’Reilly CMO

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

February 4, 2012

1 Min Read
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Ron Ruggless

Sonic Corp. on Friday named James O’Reilly as chief marketing officer of the 3,555-unit drive-in chain.

O’Reilly, who most recent served as chief concept officer for Lakewood, Colo.-based Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc., succeeds Danielle Vona, who departed in January.

Cliff Hudson, chairman and chief executive of Oklahoma City, Okla.-based Sonic, said O’Reilly “brings an impressive track record of innovative marketing, brand positioning and product development. He is a seasoned executive who is highly regarded for his broad range of expertise, and we are confident that his leadership and insight will help support the growth of our brand.” O’Reilly will also hold the title of senior vice president.

In his three years with Einstein Noah, O’Reilly managed marketing, research and development and information technology. Prior to Einstein Noah, O’Reilly spent 13 years with Yum! Brands, working with KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Yum! Restaurants International in various capacities.

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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