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| Jon Banner |
McDonald’s names Jon Banner EVP and global chief impact officer, effective September 6. Banner joins McDonald’s after spending 10 years with PepsiCo, where he most recently served as EVP, communications and president of the PepsiCo Foundation. He was previously at Disney/ABC, working as executive producer on programs including “World News Tonight” and “This Week.” In a memo sent to the McDonald’s global System, CEO Chris Kempczinski said, “Jon is the perfect leader to oversee our Sustainability & ESG, Government Relations and Public Policy, Communications and International Corporate Relations functions, as well as Ronald McDonald House Charities—building on the momentum of the Impact function as we strengthen and protect our reputation around the world.”
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| Courtney Thomas Barnes |
The Greater New Orleans Foundation names Courtney Thomas Barnes, VP-communications & PA. Barnes was most recently VP-communications at Berni Consulting. She has also served as communications manager for New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu and CCO for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. “Her passion for strategic communication and keen ability to build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders throughout our region make her the ideal person to take the helm of the Foundation’s public affairs and communications initiatives,” said GNO Foundation CEO Andy Kopplin.
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| John Dillon |
Denny’s moves John Dillon from the chief brand officer position at the restaurant chain to president of Denny’s Corporation. Dillon has been at Denny’s since 2007. Before that, he was CMO for the Houston Rockets. As Denny’s CMO, Dillon has heightened Denny’s America’s Diner brand positioning, launched the Denny’s on Demand delivery platform, and increased Denny’s purpose-led social responsibility impact. The company has also brought on Red Lobster chief financial officer David Schmidt as president of its Keke’s Breakfast Café unit. “John and David have distinguished track records within the restaurant industry and have demonstrated unwavering commitments to delivering exceptional guest experiences. They also are dedicated to talent development, operational rigor and technological transformation,” said Denny’s Corporation president and CEO Kelli Valade.
Alcoa has named Emily Olson, who has more than 20 years of experience working in capital-intensive industries in the Americas, Europe and Asia, EVP & chief external affairs officer, effective April 6.
Longacre Square Partners has named Humza Vanderman partner and head of its London outpost as the financial communications firm expands into Europe.
MOIA America, a Volkswagen Group of America subsidiary that develops and tests autonomous, all-electric ride-pooling vehicles, names Marcus Gamo head of U.S. communications... Continental Strategy brings on Francisco Petrirena as VP in its Miami office. Petrirena was previously chief of staff to former Miami city manager Art Noriega... MSQ Sport + Entertainment brings on Lauren Weil as EVP, Max Hirsch as VP of sponsorship, and Brooke Losee as VP.
Burson promotes EMEA COO Matt Buchanan to global chief social and Influence officer, a newly created role... Seedtag, a “global neuro-contextual advertising company,” brings on former Edelman SVP, corporate and public affairs Brendan McCarthy as chief marketing & communications officer... The Associated Press ups Lauren Easton to SVP and chief communications officer.
USAA, which provides insurance, banking and retirement solutions for members of the US and their families, names Chris Curtin as CMO... Hemlo Mining, a Canadian gold producer, appoints Jason Banducci as VP, corporate development & investor relations... rbb Communications promotes four senior executives to SVP. 
