Applebee’s International, Inc.’s CMO John Cywinski has resigned from the company to spend more time with his family, the company said last week.
Cywinski, who joined Applebee’s in July 2001, will stay on in a consultant role during the transition period. A nationwide search for a new CMO for the Overland Park, KN-based casual-dining restaurant chain is underway, the company said.
In a statement, Cywinski said he had been commuting to his job in Kansas City from Chicago and wanted to spend more time with this wife and three children. Cywinski was promoted to executive VP in January 2004. Prior to joining Applebee’s, Cywinski worked as VP of brand strategy for McDonald’s Corp. He previously worked as president of Buena Vista Pictures Marketing, the Walt Disney Co.’s motion picture division and as VP of U.S. marketing for Burger King Corp.
Meantime, Applebee’s President and COO Dave Goebel will take on the company’s marketing responsibilities. As part of the chain’s marketing strategy, Goebel will focus some of his effort to better develop the chain’s menu to boost traffic and sales. Some of Goebel daily responsibilities will shift to other senior executives until a new CMO is named, the company said.
Applebee’s International operates more than 1,800 Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill restaurants worldwide.
