Burger King Corp. announced that Russ Klein, the company’s president of global marketing strategy and innovation, will resign effective December 15 due to personal reasons. Peter Robinson, Burger King Corp.’s former president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) business segment, will oversee the global marketing function on an interim basis while the company conducts an executive search.
“On behalf of the company’s board of directors and the entire Burger King family, I thank Russ for his many contributions during his six and a half years of dedicated service to the Burger King brand,” says John W. Chidsey, Burger King Corp.’s chairman and CEO. “Russ’ executive and marketing leadership was a key factor in the company delivering six consecutive years of positive comparable sales through fiscal 2009, being named by Ad Week as one of the top three industry-changing advertisers within the last three decades, and being recognized by Interbrand on its 2009 Top 100 Best Global Brands list. Russ has been a valued member of the global executive team and his passion and dedication will be missed.”
“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided that now is the time to write the next chapter of my life,” Klein says. “It’s from my heart that I say Burger King Corp. is an exemplary company with limitless potential. It is in the superb hands of the entire global executive team led by my friend and colleague, John Chidsey. I am thankful to have worked for such a dynamic organization and with such smart and talented people. I feel certain that the marketing group will continue to excel under the leadership of Peter Robinson, who brings both the right credentials and experience to the interim post. I wish the entire Burger King family much continued success.”
“Over the past several years, Russ has built and cultivated a strong marketing leadership team,” Chidsey says. “I am confident that with Peter Robinson’s oversight of this team, combined with his extensive operations and marketing experience, BKC will continue to deliver compelling advertising, innovative promotions, and exceptional products that we have become globally recognized for and our guests have come to expect.”
Peter Robinson most recently served as the company’s president of the EMEA business segment and served on the global executive team for over three years. Robinson’s career spans more than 30 years in the consumer foods industry. He has extensive leadership and marketing experience with brands such as the Frito-Lay International Division of PepsiCo, Kraft General Foods, and Procter & Gamble.
