SONIC welcomes four new members to its Oklahoma City corporate leadership group in a series of talent acquisitions designed to bolster the strategy and growth of the brand.
- Clas Petersson, vice president of product and packaging
- Bob Franke, senior vice president of field services – east region
- Larry Archibald, vice president of brand systems
- Tanishia Beacham, vice president of field marketing
“These four individuals and the work they’ll perform over time for SONIC represent a continuation of investing in talent and leadership for our brand,” says Clifford Hudson, chairman of the board and chief executive officer for Sonic Corp.
“They bring to SONIC extensive experience, insights, and fresh thinking that will immediately and positively impact the momentum of the brand in 2012 and beyond.”
Petersson joins SONIC after previously serving as vice president of global research & development and product innovation with Godiva Chocolatier.
Petersson’s primary responsibility will be to oversee the innovation process from conception through commercialization as he brings a solid culinary acumen to SONIC’s Product Innovation Team. Additionally, Petersson will lead SONIC’s efforts in developing creative yet functional and sustainable packaging.
Franke’s career in the restaurant industry began at McDonald’s, where he worked his way from crew member to managing director of McDonald’s Europe and Latin America divisions. He continued his career in senior management positions with companies such as Mrs. Fields Famous Brands and Epcon Franchising, the largest U.S. franchised homebuilder.
In his new position at SONIC, he is responsible for all aspects of franchise operations in SONIC’s east markets including field marketing and operations.
Archibald, as vice president of brand systems, will work directly with Chief Information Officer Craig Miller and lead the application, development, and data management of all business applications.
Archibald joins SONIC after eight years at Whataburger, where he filled the role of director of performance reporting – architect.
In her new role as vice president of field marketing, Beacham will spearhead the efforts to deliver messaging strategy to the SONIC system in a way that is relevant to local markets. Beacham has been with SONIC since 2001. She originally served as a field marketing representative.
