Marco’s Pizza has appointed seasoned brand marketing leader Denise Lauer as its new chief marketing officer. The appointment comes at a pivotal time as Marco’s focuses on aggressive franchise development, product innovation and accelerated unit level sales strategy.

Lauer has a 20-plus-year history of building brands and accelerating growth for companies domestically and internationally, including more than a decade of experience specifically within the food industry. She has an extensive background developing high-performing, data-driven marketing and communications strategies for both startups and leading brands, including Morton Salt, PepsiCo–Quaker Foods & Snacks, FedEx and the Eaton Corporation.

As chief marketing officer of Marco’s Pizza, she is responsible for brand strategy, national advertising and media buying strategy, digital and social media, web/app experience, product development and innovation, promotions, multicultural marketing, field/regional marketing and consumer engagement.

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“Having grown up in Northeast Ohio, Marco’s Pizza was always a family favorite, so this opportunity really comes full circle for me,” Lauer said in a press release. “Marco’s is a brand I believe in, and I look forward to expanding its reach in the U.S. and beyond by delivering transformative marketing strategies that unleash its power and potential.”

Lauer’s expertise lies in unlocking growth potential in businesses, brands and teams by partnering with cross-functional leaders on growth strategies, including innovation, e-commerce, digital transformation and new product launches. She has a proven track record of developing and executing strategies that help strengthen financial performance and brand equity, the company said.

“The leadership team at this organization is second to none, and I’m thrilled to be part of a franchise with such an impressive growth trajectory fueled by its people-first culture and commitment to quality,” Lauer said. “As franchise expansion continues to surge, I plan to play a strategic role in further driving the growth and development of Marco’s Pizza and catapulting the brand into the national spotlight.”

Lauer will report directly to Steve Seyferth, Marco’s executive vice president and chief growth officer, and will serve on the Marco’s Pizza Executive Leadership Team.

“Denise is an insightful brand leader with great character and a team-oriented mentality,” Seyferth said. “Her skillset and experience in past CMO roles at large and respected organizations speak directly to the objectives we’re looking to accomplish as it relates to helping drive results and new levels of customer engagement. Having her on our side will be instrumental in achieving our goals in the years ahead.”