Noodles & Company announced that Chas Hermann has been named chief brand officer, effective March 5, 2018. Hermann’s responsibilities will include developing and executing the company’s marketing, menu, and culinary strategy. He will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Dave Boennighausen.

“I am delighted to welcome Chas Hermann to the Noodles team,” says Boennighausen. “His vast experience and track record leading brand strategy across a wide variety of different growth companies coupled with his alignment to our strong core values will be a great asset as we continue to execute on our strategy to become one of the leaders in the fast casual restaurant landscape.”

Hermann is an experienced marketing leader with a 25-year history of connecting story-telling creative brand strategy with marketing promotion, culinary and product development, and financial strategy.  Most recently, Hermann was the principal at Chas Hermann Consulting where he partnered with executives and leadership teams to focus organizations on key business strategies that position products, services, and operations to build brands and deliver profitable growth. Among the companies he worked with were Papa Murphy’s, Del Taco, and Redbox.

Prior to his consulting role, Hermann held marketing, merchandising, and financial leadership positions at several Fortune 500 companies, including Starbucks, The Walt Disney Company, and Universal Orlando Resort.

“Noodles & Company is a uniquely positioned brand that I have long admired,” says Hermann. “I am thrilled to join the company at such a special time. The company’s brand culture of passion and purpose creates great guest experiences and great tasting food that will lead the brand to major growth ahead.”