Wingstop has appointed Doug Willmarth as its Chief Marketing Officer, responsible for the 550-unit chain’s brand positioning, marketing strategy, and advertising execution.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience, Willmarth most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer for Dallas-based Rave Cinemas. Previously, Doug held senior marketing positions with Pizza Hut, Frito Lay, Brinker International and Kraft Foods.
“Doug has a proven track record of driving growth and building brands,” said Charlie Morrison, Wingstop president and CEO. “His leadership, world-class marketing experience, and passion for the restaurant industry are the perfect fit for Wingstop as we continue to grow.”
Wingstop, which reached nine consecutive years of same store sales increases in December, opened 57 new restaurants in 2012 and has more than 550 locations worldwide.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Wingstop team,” said Willmarth. “We have a strong foundation of great operators, passionate consumers, and the best wings in the business. I look forward to building on the remarkable results of the last nine years.”
Before his business career, Willmarth served nine years as a Naval Aviator with the United States Navy’s Pacific fleet. He received his bachelor of arts from the University of California San Diego and M.B.A. from San Diego State University.
For Wingstop franchise information, please visit wingstopfranchise.com.
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Wingstop has more than 550 restaurants open across the United States and Mexico. With a sole focus on chicken wings, the Wingstop menu features 10 wing flavors including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, Hickory Smoked BBQ and Louisiana Rub. Wings are made fresh, cooked-to-order and customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including Wingstop’s award winning fresh-cut seasoned fries. Wingstop has experienced eight consecutive years of positive sales increases, was named a Top 10 Best Franchise Deal by QSR magazine, and has been voted ‘best wings’ in markets across the country. Troy Aikman, three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback, has served as the chain’s national spokesman since 2003 and recently joined the Wingstop Board of Directors. Wingstop was acquired in 2010 by affiliates of Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm that specializes in business and consumer service companies with attractive growth prospects and revenues ranging from $20 million to $1.0 billion. For more information visit wingstop.com, wingstopfranchise.com or facebook.com/Wingstop.
