Burger King appoints ex-Coke marketer as global CMO

Burger King has appointed ex-Coca-Cola marketer Natalia Franco as global chief marketing officer.

Burger King
Burger King

She replaces Russ Klein who left Burger King in November following a leave of absence.

Peter Robinson, Burger King’s former president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) has held the role in the interim.

Franco also takes the role executive vice-president.

She will be responsible for the company’s global marketing function, overseeing product innovation, consumer insights and the development, implementation and communication of the brand’s marketing and advertising strategies worldwide.

Previously, Franco was vice president, global marketing and innovation for The Coca-Cola Company where she was responsible for all cross-functional marketing efforts for the McDonald’s Division, including R&D, consumer insights, marketing and operations innovation.

Chidsey says: “Her global perspective and diverse background working for a number of well-known and world-class companies positions her well to help strategically drive the Burger King brand forward.”

Before joining Coca-Cola, Franco worked for General Mills in a variety of U.S. domestic and international marketing positions.

She also has experience working with Unilever in Panama and Colombia.

She says: “I am confident that my past professional experiences and my consumer-centric marketing approach will further enhance the brand’s perception and awareness and help drive increased guest visits to our restaurants and profitable sales around the world.”

Franco will be based n the company’s headquarters in Miami reporting to John W. Chidsey, chairman and chief executive officer.

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