PizzaExpress, the chain set up in London’s Soho in 1965 which now operates across in 12 international markets including Europe, Asia and the Middle East, has appointed former Nokia global chief Stephen Taylor as its new chief marketing officer.
Reporting to CEO Paula MacKenzie, the company says Taylor’s brief is to drive forward its digital transformation and recently expanded delivery proposition, while harnessing the power of PizzaExpress’ heritage to further develop it as a distinctive and unifying brand”.
In this new and expanded role, Taylor will oversee a number of teams, including digital and loyalty, brand and marketing , strategy and insight, food and beverage, and PizzaExpress Live Music.
These teams will work collaboratively to ensure PizzaExpress is focused on customers globally – offering them quality, convenience and value that is PizzaExpress. As part of this, Taylor will lead an increased focus on creating a vibrant and inclusive dining experience in the chain’s pizzerias.
Pizza Express launched a new loyalty club earlier this year offering rewards when members check into pizzerias or scan the QR codes on boxes when they collect Pizza Express food, get it delivered or buy it at a supermarket.
Taylor has extensive experience of transformative and creative brand-building at major consumer brands, across both the UK and Internationally.
His previous roles include European CMO at Samsung; VP consumer at Paypal and several senior marketing roles at Procter & Gamble. Most recently he led the global marketing function at Nokia as global CMO.
PizzaExpress hopes his experience of placing sustainability at the core of the business at Nokia phones will help the business in its commitment to being net zero by 2040.
Paula MacKenzie said: “PizzaExpress is a much-loved iconic brand, and we need a dynamic CMO to lead a creative marketing strategy that combines our heritage with fresh, distinctive brand building.
“Stephen brings diverse experience with a proven-track record of honing a brand identity and resurrecting nostalgic brands.
“Leading a talented team, he will ensure that we show up in both an authentic and relevant way to loyal and new customers across our omnichannel business, a key part of fuelling our future growth. We’re thrilled to be welcoming him to team PizzaExpress.”
Taylor succeeds chief customer officer Shadi Halliwell, who left in September.
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