Natalia Franco Joins McAlister’s Deli as Chief Marketing Officer

Natalia P. Franco will join McAlister’s Deli's brand leadership team as chief marketing officer.

Franco will be responsible for leading, developing and executing marketing strategies and programs, while inspiring concepts and solutions to enable continued brand growth and profitability. Franco will also accelerate the evolution of the brand to increase its relevance from a positioning, menu innovation and digital guest experience standpoint.

“Natalia’s experience leading iconic brands to exceptional growth will be instrumental as we continue to push the envelope on menu innovation, amplify digital marketing strategies and leverage the strengths of this great brand,” said Joe Guith, president of McAlister’s Deli. “Her leadership in this newly created role of CMO will help propel the brand forward, and we are looking forward to the positive impact she will have on the brand.”

Prior to launching her own brand marketing consulting group, BrandMark Global LLC, she was chief brand and strategy officer at California Pizza Kitchen. At CPK, she was responsible for leading strategy, brand repositioning, advertising, brand messaging, consumer insights and culinary development for the restaurant system as well as public relations. Previously, Natalia was the senior vice president of marketing and culinary for IHOP. She was also the executive vice president and worldwide chief marketing officer for Burger King in Miami. She has held various global leadership roles with The Coca-Cola Company, Pillsbury Company, General Mills and Unilever.