Tom Garrett, president and CEO of Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. named Stephen H. Davis CMO for the Arby’s brand effective January 5, 2009. Davis assumes this position from Cheryl Barre who resigned earlier this year. In this position, Davis will lead all strategic brand marketing efforts including product development, national and field marketing, advertising, media, consumer insights, and research.

“Steve has proven his exceptional strategic marketing ability and brings respected results-oriented leadership to the Arby’s brand,” says Garrett. “He has strengthened restaurant and beverage companies in highly competitive industries and successfully marketed both new and mature brands. Adding Steve completes the Arby’s brand leadership team.”

A seasoned veteran, Davis brings more than 25 years of marketing and management experience to the Arby’s team. Among his prior positions, Davis served as senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Heineken North America, where he was responsible for all aspects of marketing for the $2 billion operating company of the world’s largest international brewer. Under his leadership, the company repositioned the Heineken brand and added several new brands to the portfolio.

Davis also held senior leadership positions for both the Pizza Hut and Pepsi-Cola brands for PepsiCo Inc.

“I’m both honored and excited to become part of the Arby’s team. It is truly one of the great brands in the restaurant industry with both an outstanding history of success as well as tremendous potential for growth,” Davis says. “I look forward to joining such a talented and experienced team of professionals.”

Davis is a graduate of Wake Forest University with an M.B.A. and B.A. in liberal arts.

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