Subway announced four leadership changes Thursday, including the promotion of Len Van Popering to chief brand and innovation officer of the world’s largest restaurant chain.
Marie Silloway was named vice president of brand management; Renee Hourigan director of convenience innovation; and Ciaran Duffy senior corporate executive chef.
Van Popering previously served as VP of brand management and culinary innovation at Subway. He will now oversee global brand strategy, culinary, and broader innovation, convenience programs, including catering and delivery, as well as Subway’s design and packaging teams, the brand said. Additionally, Van Popering will lead Subway’s global beverage partnerships, guest experience, community engagement, public relations, and corporate communications.
READ MORE: Subway: We’re building a brand stronger than ever
He joined the company in 2017 and was actively involved in Subway’s global “Fresh Forward” transformation. That included introducing new menu items such as the Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread, Signature Wraps Collection, and working with Tastemade on Subway’s “innovation alliance.” Read more about the partnership here.
Silloway previously worked as chief brand equity and customer experience officer for Godiva, VP of marketing and category for Starbucks China, and SVP of Estee Lauder. Subway said she’ll guide “the brand’s center of design excellence, global packaging functions, and convenience strategies.”
Hourigan most recently served as VP of marketing at Victorinox Swiss Army. Hourigan’s duties will include building Subway’s delivery platform, among other initiatives. The company announced in October it was launching third-party delivery at 9,000 restaurants.
“Marie, Ciaran, and Renee are extremely talented leaders, each with their own impressive track record of building brands and deepening relationship with customers,” Van Popering said in a statement. “Their experience and expertise make them ideal additions to our Subway family. I’m confident in their ability to build on the great work our team is doing as we continue to create and even better guest experience.”
