DUBLIN, Ohio — Kurt Kane has been named chief concept officer of The Wendy’s Co., effective May 4. In the newly created role he will be responsible for all North American marketing and innovation efforts. 

Kurt Kane

Most recently, Kane was global chief marketing and food innovation officer at Pizza Hut, Inc. He started his tenure with Pizza Hut in 2008 as vice president of marketing and held roles of increasing responsibility, including vice president of national marketing and communications, and US chief marketing officer.

Kurt Kane will lead North American marketing and innovation efforts.

Prior to his time at Pizza Hut, Kane held marketing roles with several leading brands, including Frito-Lay, Inc., where he led the reinvention of the Doritos brand; Molson Coors Brewing Co., where he led the seven brand Molson portfolio for four years; and Procter & Gamble, where he led the repositioning of the Sunny Delight brand.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kurt to Wendy’s,” said Emil Brolick, president and CEO. “His expertise in brand building, product innovation and people development will help accelerate Wendy’s brand transformation as we seek to build a deeper connection with our customers. The role of chief concept officer will allow us to elevate our marketing and innovation capabilities to secure our ‘A Cut Above’ brand position and drive long-term sustainable growth for the Wendy’s brand.”

Kane began his career as an air defense artillery officer with the US Army's 4th Infantry Division, after graduating with a bachelor’s of science degree in management from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin.