Tracey Young was named chief brand officer with Cinnabon and Jim Salerno was given the same title with Carvel as parent Focus Brands announced a series of executive changes at its specialty category of concepts on Wednesday.
Kerri Christian, meanwhile, has been promoted to SVP of Specialty Category Marketing, where she will focus on strategic initiatives, innovation and media at Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon and Jamba. She had been with the Atlanta-based Focus Brands’ global channels licensing division, where she worked on bringing the brands into grocery stores.
Jessica Osborne was promoted to VP of marketing for Carvel. She has been with Focus for more than 12 years, having worked with McAlister’s Deli and more recently leading strategic initiatives on the Specialty Category Marketing group. Osborne will oversee consumer marketing, menu strategy, innovation, digital and other initiatives for the treat chain.
Kerri Christian, left, and Jessica Osborne./Images courtesy of Focus Brands.
Young is an industry veteran who joins Cinnabon from Panera Bread, where she was VP, strategy, retail operations. She is an industry veteran who has worked with Dine Brands and Bloomin’ Brands as well. She will oversee marketing and operations for the treat chain.
Salerno, meanwhile, is being promoted after serving as Carvel’s vice president and general manager. He has been with the chain for 24 years, having joined Carvel in 1998.
The senior leaders will work under Kristen Hartman, president of the Specialty Category. “With strong leadership, we are well-positioned to continue to grow our brands and increase customer preference in today’s competitive market,” Hartman said in a statement.
Jim Salerno and Tracey Young./Images courtesy of Focus Brands.
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