Restaurant CMO Executive Search
Restaurant Marketing Leaders Who Drive Growth
Today's restaurant CMOs are responsible for far more than advertising campaigns. They shape brand strategy, customer acquisition, loyalty programs, digital transformation, menu innovation, and revenue growth.
Wray Executive Search helps restaurant, franchise, and hospitality organizations identify exceptional Chief Marketing Officers and senior marketing executives who can strengthen brand performance and accelerate growth.
With more than 50 years of industry expertise, we connect organizations with proven marketing leaders who understand the unique challenges of multi-unit operations, franchise systems, consumer behavior, and competitive restaurant markets.
Trust Earned Through Decades of Success
96%
Search Completion Rate
94%
Offer Acceptance Rate
50+
Years as Industry Specialists
Restaurant & Franchise Executive Search
92%
Placement Retention Rate
21 Days
Average to 1st Vetted Slate of Candidate
Executive Search for Restaurant Marketing Leadership
The restaurant industry continues to evolve rapidly. Consumer expectations, digital ordering, loyalty programs, delivery platforms, and changing media channels have transformed how brands attract and retain customers. As a result, finding the right marketing leader has become increasingly important.
Wray Executive Search specializes in identifying marketing executives who combine strategic vision with operational understanding. Whether you need a Chief Marketing Officer, Vice President of Marketing, Chief Growth Officer, or Brand President, we help organizations secure leaders who can drive measurable business results.
Our team works with:
Quick-service restaurant brands
Fast casual concepts
Casual dining organizations
Fine dining groups
Franchise organizations
Hospitality companies
Multi-brand restaurant platforms
Private equity-backed restaurant companies
Trusted By The Worlds Top Restaurant Brands
for CMO Executive Search
Why is Wray Search The Top Restaurant CMO Search Firm?
For more than 50 years, Wray Executive Search has specialized in restaurant and franchise executive search, building leadership teams for multi-unit and growth-focused brands.
That experience has created something most firms cannot replicate: trusted relationships with the industry’s top operational leaders. Many of the strongest restaurant COO candidates are not actively in the market. They engage through relationships, and often, those relationships are with Wray.
Our access goes beyond a database. We connect clients with proven CMOs and marketing leaders who have led at scale and delivered measurable results across complex restaurant environments.
Every restaurant CMO executive search is led by experienced partners who understand the realities of multi-unit operations, margin pressure, and growth. We focus on identifying leaders who align with your strategy, culture, and long-term goals.
For organizations hiring a restaurant CMO, the difference is not just who is available. It is who you can access.
Our Approach to Restaurant CMO Executive Search
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Our Leadership
Our leading consultants bring substantial senior-level experience.
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Wide Scope
Wray Executive Search offers a wide scope of industry knowledge and experience. We provide a wide array of services and have an extensive network in these arenas.
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Impactful Expertise
The cross-functional, wide-reaching expertise our company provides can have a deep impact on your business. We serve client needs internationally, nationally, regionally and locally.
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Unique Guarantees
We offer a full one-year replacement guarantee ensuring that our candidates will bring value long term. If, for some reason, the hired candidate does not work out, we will find a replacement.
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Diverse Consultants
Our consultants bring varied experience from all segments of the industry. We offer broad-based, cross-functional expertise to enhance our partnership.
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Competitive, Comprehensive Rates
There are no surprises when it comes to our fees. We maintain highly competitive performance-based rates founded upon our robust executive search record.
Executive Search Case Study: CEO for Growing Multi-Unit Restaurant Group
Executive Search Case Study: VP Operations for Multi-Concept Casual Dining
Executive Search Case Study: COO Multi-Brand Restaurant Group
Our Team
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Kevin Stockslager
Managing Partner
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Ray Kelley
Managing Partner
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Rebecca Patt
SVP & Partner
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Bob Gershberg
Executive Advisor
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Joe Radice
Advisor
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Jonathan Kelley
Vice President of Recruiting
Build the Right Marketing
Leadership Team
A strong CMO brings visibility, profit, and performance to your brand(s). The right hire can accelerate growth, strengthen execution, and position your business for long-term success.
If you are evaluating a Restaurant CMO hire, Wray Executive Search can provide insight into the market and access to the leaders shaping the industry.
If you are looking to be considered for opportunities, go to our candidate page and submit your resume.
Marketing Roles We Recruit
Our restaurant CMO executive search practice supports organizations seeking leadership across the marketing function.
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): CMOs who align brand strategy, customer experience, technology, and revenue growth.
Vice President of Marketing: Marketing leaders responsible for brand management, customer acquisition, and growth initiatives.
Chief Growth Officer: Executives focused on accelerating revenue, market expansion, and customer engagement.
Franchise Marketing Executives: Leaders who understand the unique balance between corporate strategy and franchisee success.
Trusted Experts in Restaurant Executive Search
Your leadership team determines the success of your restaurant brand. For decades, Wray Executive Search has been the trusted partner for companies seeking proven executives who can navigate scale, complexity, and constant change. As one of the nation’s most experienced restaurant executive search firms, we understand what it takes to build leadership teams that strengthen operations, inspire teams, and position organizations for sustained growth.
Whether you’re scaling a fast-casual concept, revitalizing a full-service brand, or expanding a franchise platform, we connect you with leaders who understand the pace, accountability, and culture of the restaurant business.
FAQ Section
What does a restaurant CMO do?
A restaurant CMO oversees brand strategy, customer acquisition, loyalty programs, digital marketing, advertising, public relations, and growth initiatives across the organization.
How long does a restaurant CMO executive search take?
Most executive searches are completed within several months, depending on market conditions, candidate availability, and organizational requirements.
Does Wray recruit marketing executives for franchise organizations?
Yes. We regularly recruit CMOs, VP Marketing leaders, and growth executives for franchise systems and multi-unit restaurant brands.
What industries does Wray serve?
Wray Executive Search specializes in restaurant, franchise, hospitality, and foodservice executive search.