Staffing

Church’s Chicken names 2 VPs

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August 12, 2021

Church's Chicken has named Claudia Lezcano as vice president, brand strategy and activation, and Sarah Whiticar as vice president, global business intelligence and product development. Both will report to Brian Gies, EVP, global chief marketing officer, according to a press release.

"We're pleased to strengthen and elevate our leadership team with Claudia and Sarah. As we continue our progress in fulfilling our five-year strategic plan, they will play critical roles in our mission of maintaining our business momentum," Gies said in a press release. "Throughout their careers, both have demonstrated consistent success in a variety of marketing leadership roles focused on driving profitable growth, which will be especially valuable as we seek to amplify our growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive landscape."

Before joining Church's, which is based in Atlanta, Georgia, Lezcano served as AVP, product marketing for Celebrity Cruises in Miami, Florida. In her new role Lezcano will oversee U.S. calendar planning, product promotions, media, field marketing, and consumer P.R. functions. Her goal will be to drive positive sales performance, profitability, consumer segment, and traffic growth. Lezcano will also manage the marketing communications process with U.S. franchisees.

Whiticar joined Church's in 2017 and was promoted after serving as senior director of global business intelligence. Prior to Church's, Whiticar served as global director of knowledge and insights for Popeye's, where she spearheaded research initiatives to help the organization understand how the brand was performing in the marketplace. Whiticar also previously served as director of research and consumer Insights at Ruby Tuesday.

Founded in San Antonio, Texas, in 1952 by George W. Church, Church's Chicken has more than 1,500 locations in 26 countries and international territories.