Staffing

Shipley Do-Nuts names Bill Leibengood as CMO

Photo: Shipley Do-Nuts

January 8, 2026

Shipley Do-Nuts has named restaurant industry veteran Bill Leibengood as chief marketing officer. He joins the Houston-based brand with more than 25 years of experience in marketing and operations.

He most recently served as chief marketing officer and later chief operating officer of Houlihan's. His background also includes senior leadership roles at Wingstop Restaurants and Applebee's.

The appointment comes as Shipley, the nation's largest brand of handmade donuts and kolaches, undergoes a period of rapid national expansion. The company opened 35 shops in 2025, entering markets in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

"With his deep marketing expertise, Bill will help elevate our brand storytelling through fresh, creative initiatives," Shipley CEO Flynn Dekker, said in a press release. "He will have significant responsibility for strengthening the authentic guest experience our customers have cherished for nearly 90 years."

In his role, Leibengood will oversee marketing strategies aimed at driving same-store sales growth and improving digital engagement. He said his focus will be on sharpening data-driven decision-making as the brand scales.

"As Shipley continues to scale, disciplined marketing will play a critical role in the company's next phase of growth," Leibengood said in the release.

Founded in 1936, Shipley operates over 385 company-owned and franchised locations across 13 states.