News

Dunkin' Donuts hires new execs in marketing, operations

June 24, 2010

Dunkin' Donuts has appointed two senior-level strategic hires to support the brand's ongoing focus on leadership marketing and operational excellence. Dan Saia, vice president of consumer engagement, and Weldon Spangler, regional VP, Midwest, bring a wealth of experience within the food and beverage industry and successful track records representing some of the world's most prominent retail brands.
 
Saia has more than 20 years of experience in strategic marketing for prominent food service brands, including 11 years at YUM! Brands. He will be responsible for the creation, development and execution of Dunkin' Donuts' advertising, media and interactive strategies and plans, working closely with Dunkin' Donuts franchisees to develop advertising campaigns and consumer messaging. He will report to John Costello, chief global customer & marketing officer.
 
Most recently, Saia served as VP, marketing and communications at YUM! Brands, where he was responsible for 52 business units globally. Earlier in his tenure with YUM!, Saia served as senior director Advertising for YUM!'s International Division. Prior to joining YUM!, Saia was VP, global account director, with Leo Burnett Worldwide  He began his career with the Xerox Corp.
 
Spangler, whose background includes both Starbucks and Taco Bell, will be responsible for translating the company's business strategy into day-to-day execution at Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the Midwest region. He will report to Paul Twohig, brand operating officer.

Most recently, Spangler served as a division VP for Knowledge Learning Corp. Prior to joining Knowledge Learning Corp. Spangler spent nearly 15 years with Starbucks in positions of increasing responsibility. He began his career at Taco Bell as a district manager and zone manager.