California Pizza Kitchen snaps up Scott Hargrove as global CMO

The wide remit seeks to augment recent efforts to bolster the chain’s data insights and digital teams in a bid to communicate its ‘guest-first’ experience to potential patrons.

Jim Hyatt, chief executive and president at CPK said: “Scott brings to our table an impressive record driving impact at some of the world’s most beloved consumer and tech brands, with a unique blend of digital savvy, creative storytelling and global brand-building expertise. This is an incredibly exciting time for CPK as we prioritize continual innovation and evolution in menu, experience and how we communicate with our guests, and our heightened marketing efforts under Scott’s leadership will play a key role in achieving our vision for growth.”

Hargrove has over two decades of experience in the tech, consumer goods, sport and lifestyle sectors, most recently evidenced by his role as head of brand and consumer marketing for Snap, during which he led both consumer and product marketing for Snapchat and Spectacles. Hargrove also had a hand in the launch of Spectacles 2.0, the AR platform Lens Studio and Snap originals, a portal for premium content.

Before this period Hargrove also spent his formative years at Coca-Cola, investing 15 years of his life toward leading well-known brands such as Sprite, Diet Coke, Powerade and vitaminwater.

Hargrove added: “Joining CPK has been an honour and I look forward to working with the leadership team in unlocking the full potential of this incredible brand. It’s a brand rooted in innovation, community and the very best of California and I’m excited to help bring to life what’s next for CPK across menu innovation, guest experience, technology and brand storytelling.”

Rival Pizza Hut has chosen to focus on its own heritage in its marketing following a period of sluggish growth.