Duque’s career with Church’s began in Atlanta in 2013 as a senior research and development manager where she handled domestic product development. During her tenure she has built relationships with suppliers and franchisees and provided key ideas to grow the brand. In her most recent role, Duque was responsible for supporting international product development of the full menu. Her product innovations have been the cornerstone of some of Church’s most successful promotional product campaigns, such as Church’s Honey-Butter Biscuit Tenders and Smokehouse Chicken.

Duque will report directly to Kirk Waisner, senior vice president of research and development, and will lead all product innovation outside the US. She will continue her efforts to develop distinctive, permanent menu items and LTOs by bringing more locally relevant and unique tastes to guests.

“Ada’s creativity is rooted in her culinary talent, experience and curiosity,” Waisner said in a statement. “Her background and world travels enable her to bring a different perspective to the development of globally relevant products, and we are all excited to see her next big idea.”

Duque earned her Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering at Jorge Tadeo Lozano Univ. in Bogota, Colombia.