Plano-based Pizza Hut is strengthening its leadership team with the addition of Kalen Thornton as Global Chief Brand Officer and Melissa Friebe as U.S. Chief Marketing Officer. These strategic hires follow the recent appointment of Carl Loredo, former global CMO of Wendy’s, as President of Pizza Hut U.S.
Kalen Thornton, previously a marketing executive at PepsiCo, will assume his role on June 10, reporting directly to Pizza Hut Division CEO Aaron Powell. Melissa Friebe, who has a long tenure at Taco Bell, will step in as the new Chief Marketing Officer for the U.S. market, reporting to Carl Loredo.
Visionary Leadership for Global Branding
Aaron Powell praised Thornton as “a visionary and a proven leader who understands how to create memorable moments for consumers.” In his new role, Thornton will spearhead Pizza Hut’s global brand strategy, overseeing marketing efforts across 110 markets and territories. His responsibilities will include guiding the brand into a new era of relevance, leveraging strategic customer connections across both physical and digital platforms, and maintaining Pizza Hut’s status as a cultural icon.
“With a strong record of building celebrated global brands, Kalen is the right leader to help us connect a new generation through the joy of pizza,” Powell said. “I am thrilled for him to join our team and help us take Pizza Hut to the next level.”
Expertise in Big Brand Marketing
Thornton brings a wealth of experience from PepsiCo, where he was vice president of sports and entertainment marketing for North America. He played a key role in driving growth for PepsiCo’s beverage portfolio through strategic partnerships and brand activations in sports and entertainment. He also served as CMO of Gatorade and held multiple marketing leadership roles at Nike and the Jordan brand, where he led transformational brand initiatives.
“I believe creativity, community, and culture bring people together,” Thornton said. “I’m humbled at the opportunity to contribute to Pizza Hut’s long legacy as a brand that connects across those dimensions, and I’m thrilled to help shape the future resonance and growth of this iconic brand.”
Strengthening U.S. Marketing
Melissa Friebe joins Pizza Hut from Taco Bell, where she held various positions over nearly three decades, most recently as Chief Brand Strategy Officer. At Pizza Hut, Friebe will lead all aspects of marketing for the brand’s U.S. business, succeeding Lindsay Morgan, who is departing after more than eight years in various marketing leadership roles.
“I am proud and excited that Pizza Hut is attracting top talent in the industry, and I’m confident that Kalen and Melissa will do great things in their new roles,” Powell said. “I’m also very grateful for the contributions that Lindsay Morgan has made to the Pizza Hut brand over the last many years, including our record-breaking World’s Largest Pizza activation and the successful launch of Melts. We wish her well in her future endeavors.”
Looking Forward
As a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., Pizza Hut continues to build on its legacy since its founding in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas. With over 19,500 restaurants in 110 markets and territories, Pizza Hut is poised for continued growth and innovation under its renewed leadership team.