Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (ARG) today announced that Rob Lynch will join the company as Arby’s Brand President and Chief Marketing Officer. Lynch comes to Arby’s with a long track record of building brands and delivering business results at companies like Procter & Gamble, The HJ Heinz Company and most recently at Yum! Brands, where he served as the Vice President of brand marketing at Taco Bell. Lynch’s start date will be September 30, 2013.
As Arby’s Brand President and CMO, Lynch will lead all research and development, product innovation, brand marketing and positioning, advertising and media for the Arby’s brand. He will also focus on building collaborative relationships with franchisees, team members and other key stakeholders to continue the revitalization of Arby’s iconic brand and deliver top and bottom line growth.
“Rob’s strong track record of success working with customers and franchisees and leading the advertising and innovation efforts for billion dollar businesses makes him an ideal addition to our industry-leading executive management team,” said Arby’s CEO, Paul Brown. “We’re thrilled to have him onboard and look forward to his contributions to the Arby’s brand.”
Lynch joins Arby’s from Taco Bell where he led the development and delivery of the innovation pipeline and brand marketing efforts. Lynch was part of the Taco Bell team that was recently named “2013 Marketer of the Year” by AdAge Magazine.
Before Taco Bell, Lynch spent his career building brands at HJ Heinz and Procter & Gamble. At Heinz, Lynch led the marketing efforts on Ore-Ida, Heinz’s largest retail brand. He and his team were awarded the “Chairman’s Innovation Award” for their work. Also while at Heinz, Lynch established a multicultural marketing capability for the ketchup maker.
At P&G, Lynch was part of the team that transformed Crest from a toothpaste brand that was losing share, into a holistic leader in the Oral Health Care segment by establishing Crest as the brand that delivers “Healthy, Beautiful, Smiles for Life”. This transformation was realized by commercializing innovations like Crest SpinBrush, Crest Pro Health Mouthwash, and Crest Whitestrips.
“I have been a big fan of Arby’s for a long time. I grew up eating Roast Beef sandwiches with Horsey Sauce,” said Mr. Lynch. “Arby’s has great products, passionate team members, dedicated franchisees and an iconic brand. That’s always a winning combination. I feel honored and privileged to become a part of the Arby’s family.”
Additionally, Arby’s announced that George Condos has been promoted to ARG President and Chief Operating Officer. Condos will continue to have global responsibility for ARG company restaurant operations, franchisee operations support, development and franchising.
“George is an integral part of our company’s leadership team,” said Brown. “We are looking forward to further applying his strong work ethic, innovative ideas and dedication to support our future growth objectives for ARG and the Arby’s brand.”
Finally, Hala Moddelmog will be leaving the Arby’s family to pursue new leadership opportunities. Moddelmog will remain with the company for a brief consulting period in order to facilitate a smooth transition. After that, Moddelmog will continue to be actively involved in the business and charitable communities, including working tirelessly on the issues most important to her through public and private board service.
“During her time at Arby’s, Hala has been such an outstanding business leader, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and financial performance,” said Jon Luther, Chairman of the Arby’s Board of Directors. “We know she will go on to do extraordinary things in her future endeavors.”
Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is a leading global quick-service restaurant company operating and franchising over 3,400 restaurants worldwide. Arby’s was the first nationally franchised, coast-to-coast sandwich chain and has been serving fresh, craveable meals since it opened its doors in 1964. Arby’s is on a never-ending quest for the perfect sandwich starting with the Classic Roast Beef and French Dip to the deli-style Market Fresh line of sandwiches and salads. Visit Arbys.com for more information and to connect with Arby’s on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Instagram and other social media channels.
