Church's Chicken has announced that Anthony M. "Tony" Lavely has been named its chief marketing officer, effective immediately. Lavely will be responsible for all U.S. and global marketing activities as well as menu and product development.
"Tony brings a wide and deep knowledge of the quick-service restaurant business at a time when it is more important than ever to support and expand the Church's brand," said Harsha V. Agadi, CEO for Church's Chicken.
Prior to joining Church's Chicken, Lavely was CMO for Ruth's Chris Steak House, where he was part of the team that took the company public in 2005. Earlier in his career, Lavely served as CMO for Domino's Pizza, Burger King and Long John Silver's.
"I am very pleased to be joining the Church's team and am eager to work with their franchisees and restaurant operators," Lavely said. "Current economic headwinds certainly pose challenges for everyone in the restaurant business, but Church's growth in recent years provides strong momentum for the brand and its great value proposition."
Lavely is a graduate of Yale University, where he continues to serve on a number of alumni boards. He will relocate to Atlanta from Orlando, Fla., with his wife, Wanda.
