Marco's Pizza Welcomes Industry Leaders to C-Suite: New CMO and CFO Unveiled

Marco's Pizza Expands Leadership Team

Marco's Pizza, recognized as one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the U.S., has made significant strides in strengthening its executive team with the recent appointments of Steve Kennedy as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Bill Schaffler as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This strategic move aims to position the brand for accelerated growth, focusing on innovation and operational excellence as it continues to expand both domestically and internationally.

Enhancing the Executive Team

The additions of Kennedy and Schaffler are seen as pivotal steps in solidifying Marco's Pizza's commitment to providing top-notch support for its franchisees. Tony Libardi, Co-CEO and President of Marco's Pizza, reinforced this notion, stating, "Our achievements start with our franchisees, and delivering world-class leadership is one of the most important ways we support them." He expressed confidence that Kennedy and Schaffler's extensive experience will contribute significantly to the brand's overall success.

A Vision for Brand Growth

Steve Kennedy arrives at Marco's Pizza with over 25 years of experience in the marketing realm, specializing in digital transformation and consumer strategy. His previous roles include leading marketing initiatives for high-profile companies such as Domino's and Nestlé USA. Most recently, he served as EVP and Head of Marketing at Noodles & Company, where he was instrumental in redefining brand strategy and enhancing customer engagement.

Kennedy shared his enthusiasm about joining Marco's, noting, "The momentum behind Marco's is undeniable. My goal is to accelerate Marco's growth by amplifying what makes us special—our quality, our people, our franchisees, and our authentic love for pizza. Through bold, data-driven marketing, I aim to build brand relevance and deepen guest connections."

Financial Leadership for Sustainable Growth

On the financial front, Bill Schaffler brings a wealth of knowledge in financial management, particularly within high-growth restaurant and hospitality sectors. His previous experience includes pivotal roles at various successful brands, where he focused on shaping financial strategy and overseeing operational efficiency.

"What excites me most about Marco's is the strength of the system, franchisees, operators, and leadership all moving in the same direction," Schaffler stated. He aims to build a robust financial and operational structure that supports all members of the organization.

Franchise Opportunities and Future Outlook

With the expansion of its leadership team, Marco's Pizza is also seeing a notable increase in interest from prospective franchisees. The company's Franchise Disclosure Document noted an impressive $1.3 million average unit volume (AUV) for the top 25% of franchised stores in 2024, a significant indicator of the brand's poised growth potential.

Marco's Pizza, based in Toledo, Ohio, was founded in 1978 by Pasquale Giammarco. It has grown exponentially from its Ohio roots to include over 1,200 stores across 35 states, with locations extending into Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Mexico. The brand's dedication to quality is highlighted by its fresh, scratch-made dough and signature three-cheese blend.

Recent accolades include being named America's Favorite Restaurant in the Limited-Service Pizza category by Nation's Restaurant News, among other honors listed in their franchise growth overview. Marco's Pizza's trajectory indicates that with new leadership in place, the brand is on an upward curve, ready to capitalize on its unique offerings and customer loyalty.

For more information about franchise opportunities, visit Marco's Pizza’s official website or contact their franchise development team directly.