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Papa Murphy’s taps Brandon Solano as CMO

Papa Murphy’s has hired on Brandon Solano to serve as chief marketing officer.

October 22, 2015

Papa Murphy’s Holdings announced Brandon Solano will be joining the company as chief marketing officer on Nov. 30. Solano has more than 20 years of marketing experience at both top restaurants and consumer packaged goods brands, according to a company press release.

"Brandon’s significant experience in leading successful brand growth initiatives in the foodservice and CPG pizza categories make him an invaluable asset to Papa Murphy’s as we continue to build our growing brand across the country," said Ken Calwell, Papa Murphy’s president and CEO. "Brandon’s deep industry knowledge coupled with his background in marketing, R&D, e-commerce, consumer packaged goods and franchising will help us as we continue to drive awareness and sales of Papa Murphy’s and our unique take and bake model. We are pleased to welcome Brandon to the management team."

Solano most recently held the position of CMO for Wendy’s International, where he led the brand and sales building efforts, including brand marketing, advertising, digital, culinary R&D, consumer insights, and field marketing for 6,100 North American restaurants with $8 billion in retail sales, the release stated. Prior to his role as CMO, Solano served as senior vice president of marketing for Wendy’s. Prior to Wendy’s, Solano was vice president of development and vice president of brand and retail Innovation for Domino’s Pizza Inc.

Solano also held marketing roles of increasing responsibility at Hershey’s, Kellogg’s and Proctor & Gamble. He earned a BS degree in public relations from Grand Valley State University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

"I am thrilled to join a fast-paced, category-changing company like Papa Murphy’s which continues to support busy families who want to enjoy fresh and healthy meals together at home," Solano said. "I look forward to working with the team to leverage digital and precision marketing to enhance brand awareness and support the company’s initiatives and growth plans."

Papa Murphy's Holdings operates more than 1,500 franchised and corporate-owned fresh pizza stores in 38 states, Canada and United Arab Emirates.