The Marketing Veteran Brings Nearly Two Decades of Experience to the Role
Chuck E. Cheese Entertainment appointed Sean Gleason Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). As CMO, he will lead the brand’s marketing functions, menu innovation, guest insights, communications and develop and execute long-and short-term strategies. The marketing veteran has been in the pizza and entertainment business for nearly two decades.
“Chuck E. Cheese is a multi-generational iconic brand, and I am truly honored to have the opportunity to join the amazing team and lead the brand for the next generation of fans. Chuck E. Cheese brand potential is unlimited. I look forward to working with the entire CEC Entertainment Team and franchise community to build and accelerate the brand’s momentum in the years to come,” Gleason said in a statement.
President and CEO David McKillips is thrilled to see Gleason in the CMO role. “His proven leadership, expertise and success across the restaurant and family entertainment business is a perfect complement to the most aggressive brand transformation in the company’s history.”
To stay competitive, Gleason believes that Chuck E. Cheese should keep locations fun, safe and clean for families at affordable prices. He added that the child entertainment franchise has exciting initiatives for guests, including its Summer Fun Pass and Brand Transformation efforts, which reintroduces Chuck E. Cheese to families across the country.
Gleason and Franchising
Gleason began his journey in franchising at an advertising and marketing agency. He worked closely with Pizza Hut franchisees on developing their advertising and media plans and focused on optimizing their budgets and achieving goals. “I love the collaborative aspect of franchising. Franchisees have put their lives into their businesses. I always found they provided great feedback and insight.”
Improving Marketing Initiatives
In Gleason’s view, franchisors and franchisees can benefit from communicating and collaborating to overcome challenges and improve marketing intivines. He added that knowing a brand’s guests and developing marketing strategies that serve their needs will ensure success.
Gleason urges candidates to find a business that they’re passionate about with a collaborative culture. “You will be spending so many of your waking hours trying to make your business grow and investing your resources into it. You should love it and feel like you have a partner in the trenches.”