Papa Murphy’s Holdings Inc., the world’s leading take-and-bake pizza brand, announced that Brandon Solano will join the company as CMO on November 30. Solano has over 20 years of marketing experience at both top restaurants and consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands.

“Brandon’s significant experience in leading successful brand growth initiatives in the foodservice and CPG pizza categories make him an invaluable asset to Papa Murphy’s as we continue to build our growing brand across the country,” says Papa Murphy’s president and CEO Ken Calwell. “Brandon’s deep industry knowledge coupled with his background in marketing, R&D, e-commerce, consumer packaged goods, and franchising will help us as we continue to drive awareness and sales of Papa Murphy’s and our unique take and bake model. We are pleased to welcome Brandon to the management team.”

Solano most recently held the position of CMO for Wendy’s International, where he led the brand and sales building efforts including brand marketing, advertising, digital, culinary R&D, consumer insights, and field marketing for 6,100 North American restaurants with $8 billion in retail sales. Prior to his role as CMO, Solano served as senior vice president of marketing for Wendy’s. Prior to Wendy’s, Solano was vice president of development and vice president of brand and retail innovation for Domino’s Pizza Inc. During his career, Solano also held marketing roles of increasing responsibility at Hershey’s, Kellogg’s, and Proctor & Gamble. He received a BS in Public Relations from Grand Valley State University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

Solano says, “I am thrilled to join a fast-paced, category-changing company like Papa Murphy’s which continues to support busy families who want to enjoy fresh and healthy meals together at home. I look forward to working with the team to leverage digital and precision marketing to enhance brand awareness and support the company’s initiatives and growth plans.”