IHOP® Appoints Kieran Donahue as Chief Marketing Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

IHOP has appointed Kieran Donahue as the new Chief Marketing Officer, effective February 22. In this role, she will oversee IHOP’s marketing and culinary strategies, including advertising and menu development. Donahue brings over 20 years of hospitality marketing experience, having previously held senior positions at Hilton and Marriott. IHOP President Jay Johns expressed confidence in her ability to drive brand trust and growth, highlighting her impressive track record in building relationships and achieving business goals.

Positive

• Kieran Donahue's extensive experience in hospitality marketing could enhance IHOP's brand strategies.
• Her expertise includes transformation of demand generation programs, potentially driving sales growth.
• Donahue's appointment signals a commitment to innovation in marketing and culinary offerings.

Negative

• The transition may present challenges in continuity and team dynamics during the adjustment period.

IHOP® today announced the newest member of its executive team, naming Kieran Donahue to the position of Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Donahue will be responsible for driving IHOP’s marketing and culinary strategies, including oversight of advertising, digital innovation, communications, menu development and overall brand experience. Beginning February 22, Donahue will report directly to IHOP President Jay Johns.

IHOP Appoints Kieran Donahue as Chief Marketing Officer (Photo: Business Wire)

“Kieran is an innovator and a transformational Fortune 500 executive who has a long track record of demonstrated performance across a diverse set of global brands,” said Johns. “Given her impressive professional history surpassing business goals, building trusted relationships and empowering teams, I have no doubt that she will play an integral role in further building guest trust and leading IHOP to its next phase of growth.”

Donahue brings more than 20 years of marketing experience within the hospitality industry, serving in a number of domestic and international marketing roles for Hilton Enterprise and Marriott International. Most recently, she held the position of Vice President, Brand, Marketing and Digital, Americas for Marriott. In that role, she was the architect of a shared service field marketing organization and led the transformation of demand/lead generation programs.

Earlier in her career, Donahue held key leadership positions as Vice President, Americas Marketing for Hilton Enterprises; Vice President of Global Brand Marketing for DoubleTree by Hilton; and Senior Director, Global Brand Marketing for Hilton Hotels and Resorts. Prior to joining Hilton in 2001, she held sales, marketing and public relations roles both in New York and Los Angeles.

“IHOP is a brand that I have long admired, and I am thrilled to be the newest member of the IHOP family, and to help lead this iconic restaurant chain,” said Donahue. “IHOP’s Marketing, Digital, Communications and Culinary Team is made up of a remarkable group of talented individuals, and I’m looking forward to partnering closely with them to execute meaningful programs that reinforce our position as a category leader.”

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES, LLC

For over 62 years, IHOP has been a leader, innovator and expert in all things breakfast, any time of day. The chain offers 65 different signature, fresh, made-to-order breakfast options, a wide selection of popular lunch and dinner items, including Ultimate Steakburgers. IHOP restaurants offer guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. As of July 29, 2020, there are 1,841 IHOP restaurants around the world, including restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam as well as Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Lebanon, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Thailand and India. IHOP restaurants are franchised by affiliates of Glendale, Calif.-based Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210223005237/en/

FAQ

Who is the new CMO of IHOP?

Kieran Donahue has been appointed as the new Chief Marketing Officer of IHOP.

What experience does Kieran Donahue bring to IHOP?

Donahue has over 20 years of marketing experience in the hospitality industry, including roles at Hilton and Marriott.

When does Kieran Donahue start at IHOP?

Kieran Donahue will officially begin her role as CMO on February 22.

What will Kieran Donahue's responsibilities be at IHOP?

She will oversee marketing strategies, advertising, digital innovation, communications, and menu development.

How might Donahue's appointment impact IHOP?

Her extensive background in marketing could lead to innovative strategies and improvements in brand trust and guest engagement.