Mark Kupferman has been appointed as chief insights and marketing officer by Irving-based CEC Entertainment for its flagship brand, Chuck E. Cheese, and its virtual kitchen brands, including Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings.
“I’m thrilled to have Mark join CEC Entertainment to lead the marketing strategy for the world’s largest family entertainment center brand, Chuck E Cheese,” CEO and President David McKillips said in a statement. “His proven expertise and success across the restaurant and family entertainment business is a perfect complement with the most aggressive brand transformation in the company’s history.”
Kupferman will have overall enterprise responsibility for all insights and research, the company said.
“Chuck E. Cheese is an iconic brand and I am truly honored for the opportunity to join the amazing team and lead the brand for the next generation of fans,” Kupferman said in a statement. “The 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.”
The company said that Kupferman is a marketing leader with expertise in brand development, digital media, menu innovation, and in leading high-performing teams to deliver transformational growth.
Kupferman will lead all marketing functions, menu innovation, communications, as well as the brand’s digital marketing and consumer journey initiatives, CEC said.
He will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that position Chuck E. Cheese for long-term growth, both domestically and internationally. He also will oversee the entire company’s insights and research responsibilities.
Kupferman joins Chuck E. Cheese with more than 25 years of marketing strategy, media, advertising, and brand experience. Most recently, he was chief commercial officer at Ruth’s Chris Steak House and previously was the SVP of Consumer & Guest Experience at Six Flags Entertainment, where he built the industry’s most successful membership program.
Before Six Flags, Kupferman led the research and insights teams at Universal Orlando and Paramount Parks.
CEC Entertainment said that Kupferman will be based at its corporate support center in Irving.
CEC Entertainment is the nationally recognized leader in family entertainment and dining with its Chuck E. Cheese, Peter Piper Pizza brands, and virtual kitchen concept, Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings.
The company and its franchisees operate a system of nearly 600 Chuck E. Cheese fun centers and more than 120 Peter Piper Pizza venues, with locations in 47 states and 19 foreign countries and territories.
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