Rita’s Franchise Company, the world’s largest Italian Ice concept, announced the appointment of Phyllis Savar Levy as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. As part of the executive leadership team at Rita’s, Levy will oversee integrated marketing and communication strategy and execution, as well as product development and innovation across the more than 600-unit franchise corporation, continuing to build the beloved brand by enhancing the guest experience.

A graduate of the Wharton School, Levy brings more than 30 years of diverse knowledge and experience in the food and consumer packaged goods industries. She spearheaded product launches and other major growth initiatives at some of the nation’s most well respected Fortune 500 companies in the industry, including Kraft Foods, Campbell Soup Company and Aramark. At Campbell, Levy led the team that launched Le Menu frozen dinners, a $250 million breakthrough business, establishing her position as an expert in new product innovation and launches. During Levy’s tenure at Aramark, her team developed a new cost-effective system for providing fresh food service to mid-size corporate client locations. She also has extensive experience in the health and wellness industry, with notable past employers and clients including GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Novartis.

Levy most recently brought her passion and expertise to consulting, as CMO and Partner at Chief Outsiders, where she delivered cost-effective and efficient marketing services for clients. As a trusted advisor, she created and led the team that developed SOLA, a new natural alternative sweetener product for both beverages and cooking, suitable for retail, food service and industrial markets.

“Phyllis has had a remarkable impact on every brand she has touched, developing new products that strengthen and develop the company’s portfolio and brand following,” says Kirk Griswold, chairman of Rita’s Board of Directors. “We’re excited that Phyllis has joined the Rita’s team, and we look forward to tapping her proven skillset as we continue to expand our guest offerings and further differentiate Rita’s from its competitors.”