Kat Cole, president of Focus Brands Inc.‘s Cinnabon, has been promoted to chief operating to the company’s group president with responsibilities for global brand growth.
Atlanta-based Focus Brands is the franchisor and operator of more than 4,000 ice cream shops, bakeries, restaurants and cafes in the United States, Puerto Rico and 60 foreign countries.
Among the company’s brands are Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwestern Grill, Auntie Anns, Pretzels, McAlister’s Deli and Seattle’s Best Coffee.
Ms. Cole’s responsibilities are to include driving global brand growth through consumer packaged goods, foodservice licensing, e-commerce, fundraising, retain and other emerging channels.
Her promotion is accompanied by that of Gary Bates, formerly the company’s chief concept officer, who is to assume the position of chief marketing and strategy officer leading consumer insights and brand strategy.
Paul Damico, formerly president of Moe’s Southwest Grill, is to assume the position of group president with oversight for Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzky’s Bakery & Cafe, and McAlister’s Deli. The president of Moe’s remains to be filled.
Bill Dunn, formerly president of Auntie Anne’s, has been promoted to group president with responsibility for Carvel, Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s. The position of president of Auntie Anne’s remains to be filled.
To learn more about Focus Brands Inc., click here.