#United States #Dallas #marketing #Smoothie King #Claudia Schaefer

Smoothie King Welcomes Claudia Schaefer as Chief Marketing Officer

In a significant move, Smoothie King, recognized globally as the leading smoothie brand, has appointed Claudia Schaefer as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This decision comes as the company seeks to bolster its marketing strategy and continue its trajectory of growth in the competitive health-food landscape.

Claudia, who holds an impressive track record in marketing for high-profile restaurant and retail brands, is well-equipped to take on this pivotal role. Her extensive experience encompasses revenue growth, customer engagement, and elevating brand reputation—essential elements that will play a crucial part in reshaping Smoothie King's marketing direction. In 2024, the company saw remarkable success, opening 84 new locations across the United States, signaling a robust expansion phase.

Strategic Vision for 2025

Schaefer plans to spearhead all marketing initiatives at Smoothie King, focusing on honing the brand’s core purpose and positioning. By leveraging consumer insights, she aims to enhance customer engagement, drive traffic to stores, and ultimately accelerate sales growth.

CEO Wan Kim expressed his excitement about Schaefer joining the team, stating, "Claudia's expertise in brand-building and strategic marketing will be critical as we continue to strengthen our brand and drive growth in 2025 and beyond." The leadership anticipates that her strategies will leverage the momentum created in recent quarters and aim for an even more successful year ahead.

Previous Experience

Before joining Smoothie King, Claudia Schaefer held the position of Chief Experience Officer at Caliber, the parent company of Caliber Collision, where she successfully positioned and marketed their brand while ensuring a top-notch customer experience. Her previous roles, including CMO at well-known brands such as Jamba and Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, have seen her proficiently boost customer traffic and sales through innovative marketing approaches.

At Chili's Bar & Grill's parent company, Brinker International, Claudia honed her skills further by working in marketing and culinary innovation across diverse markets, giving her a broad understanding of both the operational and creative aspects of brand management.

The Path Forward

As Smoothie King looks ahead to 2025, the brand is poised for continued expansion. With a target of opening 105 new stores across the nation, the appointment of Claudia Schaefer as CMO is timely and strategic. The brand’s commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles through its Clean Blends initiative aligns perfectly with Schaefer's values and vision, emphasizing a dedication to maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.

Schaefer herself articulated her excitement about her new role, saying, "I'm thrilled to join Smoothie King, a brand whose mission to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles resonates deeply with me. I look forward to leveraging my experience to build on this purpose, connect with our guests in new and meaningful ways, and help drive the brand's continued growth in 2025 and beyond."

The smoothie giant, founded in 1973, has firmly established itself as a leader in the health and wellness market, recognizing the importance of quality ingredients over artificial additives. The introduction of Smoothie Bowls and various retail products, including sports beverages and energy bars, reflects the brand's commitment to innovation and catering to a health-conscious consumer base. With an ambitious expansion plan underway and a dynamic leader at the helm of marketing, Smoothie King is set to pursue groundbreaking growth while staying true to its mission of inspiring healthier, more active lifestyles.