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Rob Conti, First Watch
The First Watch daytime-dining chain has promoted Rob Conti to chief information officer, with his duties expanded to include oversight of technology-based strategic issues as well as the integration of new digital capabilities. He joined the brand in 2019 “when our IT program was still in its infancy,” according to First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso, serving most recently as SVP of information technology. Conti has spent 25 years in technology-related positions within the hospitality industry.
Paris Baguette has been reworking its executive team this year and that effort continues with two more appointments: Brian Egan has been promoted to vice president of development. He was previously director of new store construction. Norm Ginsberg is the bakery chain’s new vice president of operations. He worked previously with Bowlero and in his new role will oversee all operations at Paris Baguette and supporting franchisees.
Franchise chain operator Woworks named a pair of new executives. Joel Bulger was named chief marketing officer. He comes to the company following a 25-year career in the industry at chains like On the Border, Zaxby’s and Johnny Rockets. Steve Corp, a former executive with Applebee’s owner Dine Brands and Cinnabon owner GoTo Foods, was named chief growth officer. Woworks operates chains like Saladworks, Frutta Bowls and Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh.
Wanda Williams, Nothing Bundt Cakes
Wanda Williams, the former head of global franchising for Yum Brands, was named chief operations officer for Nothing Bundt Cakes, where she will oversee operations, team development and communications for more than 600 bakeries across the U.S. and Canada. Williams also worked previously with Waste Management and HBO.
Marie Grimm is the new vice president of dining operations for the airport restaurant operator Paradies Lagardère. Grimm was previously head of culinary at OTG Management and has also worked with NBC Universal Studios, Dine Global Brands and Darden Restaurants. At Paradies Lagardère, she will lead the Dining Division, which includes more than 225 restaurants and bars across 40 airports.
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza has promoted Ryan Morris to general counsel and SVP of real estate, with responsibility for the venerable chain’s deal to install 92 units inside Walmart stores. He previously served for five years as corporate counsel.
Simultaneously, Mr. Gatti’s elevated Travis Smith to EVP. The five-year veteran of the company, most recently serving as VP of marketing, Smith will be responsible for expanding awareness of the chain and otherwise building sales.
Wayne Hilston, California Restaurant Foundation
The nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation has tapped insurance industry veteran Wayne Hilston to serve as chairman of its board of directors, effective immediately. The foundation is a nonprofit affiliate of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) that promotes workforce development and well-being, working through CRA programs like ProStart and the worker aid program Restaurant Cares. Hilston has served for nearly a decade as a VP of sales for Employers, an insurance company that specializes in covering small businesses such as restaurants.
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