Cinnabon Names New President

FOCUS Brands Inc., the franchisor and operator of more than 2,200 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes, announced that Gary Bales will be appointed president of Cinnabon when current president Geoff Hill joins parent company Roark Capital Group as vice president on January 1, 2010. FOCUS Brands consists of Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Seattle’s Best Coffee International. Gary will assume Geoff’s role in addition to his existing role as president of Carvel.

Bales joined Carvel in 2002 from TCBY, a division of Mrs. Fields Famous Brands. Upon FOCUS Brands’ acquisition of Cinnabon in 2004, he lead all marketing and strategic planning for both Carvel and Cinnabon, and has served as an advisor for Hill since the latter was named president of Cinnabon in 2006.

“While we will certainly miss the talent, energy and enthusiasm of Geoff, I am excited to have Gary bring his vast experience to the Cinnabon brand,” says Russ Umphenour, president and CEO of FOCUS Brands. “With his terrific track record of success with Carvel, Gary’s strategic and long-term approach to operations and marketing make him the ideal leader to oversee both treat brands.”