It's been quite a busy week for the world's most beloved pizza chain, in both some good ways and some bad. Firstly, a new Global CEO was named at the beginning of the week in the shape of David Gibbs, who will assume the role on the 1st of January 2015, superseding Scott Bergren. Gibbs will be responsible for driving the brand on a global scale and increasing annual sales for the division, which currently exceeds $10 billion. Prior to joining the hut, Gibbs served as president and CFO at Yum Brands International (YBI), Pizza Hut's parent company, which also owns the fast food chains KFC and Taco Bell.
David Gibbs will assume the role of Pizza Hut's Global CEO on the 1st of January 2015
David C. Novak, the chairman and CEO of YBI, said “Gibbs is an accomplished leader with a proven track record of success and considerable experience in the restaurant industry.” He adds that Gibbs “Has been a consistent growth driver and has a deep passion for the Pizza Hut brand,” and both himself and Greg Creed (who takes over as YBI CEO in January 2015) are confident that Gibbs “Will lead Pizza Hut to the next level and widen its gap as the category leader all around the world.”
Independent agency Host, will be taking over creative advertising duties in the region from M&C Saatchi Sydney
Over in Australia, meanwhile, it was announced that the independent agency Host, will be taking over creative advertising duties in the region from M&C Saatchi Sydney, following a competitive pitch with 12 agencies vying for the account. M&C declined to re-pitch for the account after eight years of business when it was put out to pitch back in September. The pitch is thought to have been run internally. Anthony Freedman, Group CEO at Host, said everyone at the agency is looking forward “To developing stand out work befitting this iconic global brand.”
“Host demonstrated that they understand the business and the need for dynamic ways of thinking, particularly in the digital arena,” Fatima Syed
Fatima Syed, head of marketing and innovation at Pizza Hut, said they are “Delighted to have selected Host” as their lead creative agency, and that they selected Host “Because of their ability to address (Pizza Hut's) changing business needs,” which they believe will enhance the 2015 marketing strategy. She added; “Host also demonstrated that they understand the business and the need for dynamic ways of thinking, particularly in the digital arena,” and feels their innovative approach “Will be invaluable” in helping to build Pizza Hut's presence in the world of e-commerce. She also wishes to “Thank M&C Saatchi for a fantastic eight year partnership with Pizza Hut,” and wishes them well for the future.
A scam 'malware' virus has recently been using a fake email offering a free pizza from Pizza Hut as a trojan horse through which to infect computers
On a less positive note, Pizza Hut has found itself in the news for all the wrong reasons recently, though it has absolutely nothing to do with them! A scam 'malware' virus has recently been using a fake email offering a free pizza from Pizza Hut as a trojan horse through which to infect computers. In fact, Pizza Hut did run an offer to coincide with its 55th anniversary, but that was well over a year ago, so if you find yourself being offered a free Pizza Hut pizza, as tempting as it might sound, remember that more often than not, if something if too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and musician from Kidderminster in the UK. He has always found Pizza Hut to be superior to Domino's in terms of both taste, texture and value. Anyone who disagrees, feel free to have it out with me in the comments below!
