DALLAS – Fast-casual chain Wingstop Restaurants Inc. tapped Maurice Cooper to the role of senior vice president and chief marketing officer. In this role, Cooper will oversee the chain’s global marketing strategy and execution. He will report to Charlie Morrison, chairman and CEO of Wingstop.

Maurice
Maurice Cooper

“Maurice has a strong track record of success as an award-winning marketer, as well as a business leader dedicated to consumer and franchisee satisfaction,” Morrison said in a statement. “As we continue to rapidly expand our footprint, Maurice will have an instrumental role in building and promoting the Wingstop brand globally.”

Cooper brings more than 15 years of experience to the job. He most recently served as global vice president of the Holiday Inn brand. Prior to that he was a “Venture Leader” at the Coca-Cola Company, where he was responsible for driving the development and scale of emerging brands such as Honest Tea, Illy Coffee and Zico.

“He led the Coke Zero brand through one of its most substantial periods of growth, and also served as brand manager for several of the company’s multi-billion-dollar, flagship brands including Coca-Cola and Sprite,” according to Wingstop.

Cooper holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College and a Master of Business degree from the Darden School at the Univ. of Virginia.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Wingstop team at a pivotal time in the company’s growth and to focus on a brand that is well respected for quality, service and flavor around the world,” Cooper said in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with our leadership, partners and dedicated customer base to help Wingstop become a top-10 global restaurant brand.”