Pizza Ranch, Inc. announced the appointment of Cody Pierce as vice president of marketing, effective Jan. 9. Pierce reports to Pizza Ranch’s Chief Operating Officer Jon Moss.

Pierce will be responsible for developing and leading the execution of Pizza Ranch’s marketing and advertising strategies to grow sales, traffic, and profitability for the franchisee community and corporate stores.

“We are delighted that Cody has joined the Pizza Ranch team to drive our marketing strategies,” Moss says. “Cody has a genuine dedication towards franchisees that we feel will help us maintain a strong bond with our franchisees as we grow.”

Pierce previously served as director of franchise marketing of Gold’s Gym International since 2005.

He created, directed, and executed strategic brand and national marketing programs and services for more than 550 domestic franchise locations with more than $1.2 billion in annual revenues.

Pierce’s contributions at Gold’s Gym included advertising and creative development, developing the national annual retail calendar, forging strategic partnerships, consumer insights, website, smart phone, social media, and loyalty marketing, Advertising Council leadership, and franchise sales marketing.

Prior to joining Gold’s Gym, Pierce worked for six years at CiCi’s Pizza Enterprises, where he served as senior marketing manager and marketing manager.

His responsibilities included brand strategy, agency management, sales analysis, consumer research, new product development, merchandising, and franchisee consultation.

“I am thrilled to join the Pizza Ranch team as we gear up for strong growth and restaurant expansion,” Pierce says.

“There is an incredible opportunity to build and preserve the Pizza Ranch brand throughout the country. The Pizza Ranch franchise community is the backbone of the brand and I look forward to continuing to support and help grow their businesses.”

Pierce holds a M.B.A. from University of North Texas and a B.A. from Stephen F. Austin State University.