NOODLES & COMPANY NAMES STEPHEN KENNEDY EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

Rhea-AI Summary

Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS) has appointed Stephen Kennedy as Executive Vice President of Marketing, effective November 18, 2024. Kennedy brings over two decades of experience, including significant roles at Bounteous, Nestle USA, and Domino's. At Domino's, he was instrumental in driving record sales growth through successful product launches and the Piece of the Pie Rewards program. At Nestle USA, he led Marketing Enablement initiatives, improving media ROI and e-commerce performance. CEO Drew Madsen highlighted Kennedy's expertise in digital innovation and customer engagement as key factors in strengthening brand relevance and driving profitable growth.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced marketing executive with proven track record in digital innovation
• Previous success in driving record sales growth at Domino's
• Demonstrated expertise in loyalty programs and digital marketing strategies
• Strong background in improving media ROI and e-commerce performance at Nestle USA

Negative

• None.

• At Dominos, Kennedy held leadership roles in strategy and insights, loyalty, digital marketing and media, and digital innovation during nine years of explosive growth for the brand.
• At Nestle USA, Kennedy led their Marketing Enablement COE, providing brand building, creative development, media planning and buying, digital strategy and experience, and eCommerce marketing support for North American brands.

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS) has appointed Stephen Kennedy as Executive Vice President of Marketing, starting November 18, 2024, to lead the company's brand strategy and customer growth initiatives.

"Stephen is a transformational marketing leader with over two decades of experience driving growth for iconic brands," said Drew Madsen, CEO at Noodles & Company. "We're excited to add his expertise in digital innovation and customer engagement to our team as we deepen our brand relevance, capture new customers, and drive sustained, profitable growth."

Kennedy most recently served as Vice President of Growth and Strategy at Bounteous, where he spearheaded digital strategies that enhanced brand experiences. At Nestle USA, he led the Marketing Enablement and Consumer Experience teams, increasing media ROI, social engagement, and e-commerce sales through data-driven strategies and a digital-first marketing approach.

At Domino's, Kennedy was pivotal in helping drive record sales growth for the company. In various leadership roles, he guided the insights team on successful product launches and promotions, including Domino's Pan Pizza and the $5.99 Mix and Match deal. Kennedy also spearheaded the pilot, launch, and management of the award-winning Piece of the Pie Rewards program, overseeing all owned and paid digital marketing efforts.

Prior to his time at Domino's, Kennedy worked in brand strategy and insights at General Motors. He began his career in marketing at Borders Group Inc. where he managed CRM and loyalty marketing teams.

Kennedy's accomplishments have contributed to numerous awards from organizations such as Loyalty 360, The ARF David Ogilvy Awards, The Effie Awards, The American Advertising Federation, The In-House Agency Forum, Communication Arts, and Restaurant Business Tech Accelerator.

Kennedy said, "As I step into the EVP of Marketing role at Noodles & Company, I'm filled with excitement and a deep sense of confidence in our future. Noodles & Company is a unique brand with a powerful legacy, created by inspired team members and franchisees passionate about bringing Uncommon Goodness to guests. I'm thrilled to build upon this strength and to lead the marketing transformation charge. Together, we will amplify our brand relevance and deepen our connection with guests. With a shared vision for growth and an unwavering commitment to guests and franchisees, I'm confident that Noodles best days lie ahead."

About Noodles & Company
Since 1995, Noodles & Company has been serving guests Uncommon Goodness and noodles your way, with noodles and flavors you know and love and new ones you're about to discover. From indulgent Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to craveable Japanese Pan Noodles, Noodles serves a world of flavor in every bowl. Made up of more than 450 restaurants and 8,000 passionate team members, Noodles is dedicated to nourishing and inspiring every guest who walks through the door. To learn more or find the location nearest you, visit www.noodles.com.

Contacts:
Investor Relations
investorrelations@noodles.com

Danielle Moore
Press@noodles.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noodles--company-names-stephen-kennedy-executive-vice-president-of-marketing-302291791.html

SOURCE Noodles & Company

FAQ

When will Stephen Kennedy start as EVP of Marketing at Noodles & Company (NDLS)?

Stephen Kennedy will start as Executive Vice President of Marketing at Noodles & Company on November 18, 2024.

What were Stephen Kennedy's major achievements at Domino's before joining NDLS?

At Domino's, Kennedy drove record sales growth, led successful product launches including Pan Pizza and the $5.99 Mix and Match deal, and managed the Piece of the Pie Rewards program.

What was Stephen Kennedy's role at Nestle USA before joining Noodles & Company (NDLS)?

At Nestle USA, Kennedy led the Marketing Enablement and Consumer Experience teams, where he increased media ROI, social engagement, and e-commerce sales through data-driven strategies.