ATLANTA, GEORGIA — April 9, 2018 — MarketPro, a leading digital marketing executive search firm, is excited to share the placement of Brian Best as the Vice President, Digital Marketing and MarTech at Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
Already a technology leader, Tropical Smoothie is now looking to take it to the next level. They were seeking a digital thought leader and expert in utilizing technology to drive customer engagement through enhanced loyalty programs, customized 1:1 marketing, as well as ongoing development in their app and web presence.
The QSR (quick service restaurant) industry is being completely transformed by digital and Tropical Smoothie is determined to be at the forefront of customer-facing technical innovations.
With 640 locations today and two new locations opening every week, the company is experiencing significant growth and was in need of a highly proficient digital marketer to propel the brand forward. This person would have to be able to lead a digital team and understand the customer journey of today and position the company to be forward thinking for the customer journey of tomorrow.
Brian Best was previously Head of Interactive Engagement, Loyalty and E-Commerce at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, making him an ideal fit for a role with a company in the QSR space. He has over 15 years of experience in developing and executing digital marketing, customer loyalty and e-commerce strategies to help companies navigate how to maximize customer relationships.
Best will be in charge of leading a digital and loyalty marketing team that is responsible for defining the digital vision to create valuable one-to-one relationships with consumers and optimizing the customer experience. He will be tasked with establishing a multi-year digital road map to maximize the customer journey and experience, along with collaborating with the Vice President, Information Technology to grow and manage the digital footprint.
His extensive experience in MarTech, loyalty, e-commerce, and customer experience makes him more than capable of identifying breakthrough marketing technology to enable consumer relationships and business efficiency for Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
“It was an incredible experience working with MarketPro and their professional team, and I am excited to join an industry leader like Tropical Smoothie Café,” said Best. “The restaurant vertical is experiencing rapid, unprecedented change, and brands must provide relevant, personalized, and frictionless guest experiences to compete. I am looking forward to developing unparalleled omnichannel experiences for our guests.”
“Tropical Smoothie Café has done a great job of leveraging digital technology and marketing to enable business results and their vision for the future will make them a leader in the space for years to come,” said Bob Van Rossum, President of MarketPro. “When you hire a role like this, the right candidate can fundamentally change the organization and enable growth. These are exactly the type of searches we get excited to be a part of. Our team is uniquely qualified to and lives for finding marketing talent that moves the needle.”
Best will report to Rob Collins, the CMO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
“We were presented with excellent candidates for this key leadership position and are thrilled that MarketPro was able to find us such a talented individual and close the deal in a quick manner,” Collins said. “Brian’s vision and experience will enable us to quickly move to a more digitally-centered marketing organization, engaging customers where they are with the right message at the right time.”
About MarketPro
MarketPro Inc. is a woman-owned marketing executive search and marketing staffing firm founded in 1996. Recognized as a thought leader in digital marketing talent acquisition. Headquartered in Atlanta, the nationwide recruitment agency matches high-performing marketers with clients who need their skills and experience to take their business to the next level. MarketPro has former marketers finding and vetting the talent, so only the best get through to our clients. Learn more at marketproinc.com.
About Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened their first cafe in Tallahassee, Florida in 1997. With two locations opening up every week, the company is growing at a rapid pace and expects to have 1,000 locations by 2020. They are guided by a simple belief: when you eat better, you feel better. They strive to inspire a healthier lifestyle by serving amazing food and smoothies, with a bit of tropical fun. Learn more at www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com.
