Red Robin Gourmet Burgers has announced a series of key appointments as part of its North Star growth plan. The chain has appointed Kevin Mayer as its chief marketing officer and Mark Simpson as its interim chief people officer. Jason Rusk has been promoted to chief business development officer.

As CMO of Red Robin, Mayer will be responsible for brand development, marketing, digital, innovation and menu development. He brings a wealth of global marketing, sales and brand building experience and has successfully led iconic public brands during key growth periods such as BJ's Restaurants, Volkswagen, Subaru and Chevrolet. Most recently, Mayer served as Chief Marketing Officer of Pedego Electric Bikes, where he led sales and digital marketing initiatives for the private equity-backed company.

Prior, he served as EVP, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Growth Officer at BJ's Restaurants, Inc., where he oversaw cross-functional innovation, marketing, product development, off-premise, digital and earned media, and local marketing. Mayer and his team played a crucial role in transforming the BJ's Restaurants brand, driving it from a regional casual dining player to a nationally recognized lifestyle brand. Their efforts resulted in numerous successful product launches, one of the best retention programs in the industry and record levels of familiarity and brand love contributing to nine straight quarters of same-store traffic growth over the category.

As CMO of Red Robin, Mayer will be responsible for brand development, marketing, digital, innovation and menu development. He brings a wealth of global marketing, sales and brand building experience and has successfully led iconic public brands during key growth periods such as BJ's Restaurants, Volkswagen, Subaru and Chevrolet. Most recently, Mayer served as Chief Marketing Officer of Pedego Electric Bikes, where he led sales and digital marketing initiatives for the private equity-backed company.

Prior, he served as EVP, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Growth Officer at BJ's Restaurants, Inc., where he oversaw cross-functional innovation, marketing, product development, off-premise, digital and earned media, and local marketing. Mayer and his team played a crucial role in transforming the BJ's Restaurants brand, driving it from a regional casual dining player to a nationally recognized lifestyle brand. Their efforts resulted in numerous successful product launches, one of the best retention programs in the industry and record levels of familiarity and brand love contributing to nine straight quarters of same-store traffic growth over the category.