Guess Who Has The Meats? Indian American Rita Patel Named Chief Marketing Officer at Arby’s
- She joined Inspire Brands, the parent company of the fast food chain in 2020 as CMO for Buffalo Wild Wings.
It may be difficult to imagine a Patel extolling “We Have The Meats,” but there she is, heading an iconic all-American red meat company.
Fast food chain Arby’s has named Rita Patel Brand its chief marketing officer (CMO). In her new role, the Indian American will oversee Arby’s brand strategy, menu and culinary innovation, as well as advertising and integrated marketing communications.
Patel joined Inspire Brands, the parent company of Arby’s, in 2020 as CMO for Buffalo Wild Wings. Under her leadership, Buffalo Wild Wings strengthened its marketing organization, according to a statement, as well as launched new menu items. Inspire also credited her for “establishing integrated ways of working between marketing, supply chain and Buffalo Wild Wings franchisees,” according to a release announcing Patel’s move to Arby’s.
In a statement, Arby’s brand president Jim Taylor called Patel “a key driver of brand marketing and innovation strategy.” There are more than 3,500 Arby’s restaurants in nine countries.
Before joining Inspire Brands, Patel worked as vice president of brand management at Target.
Patel has also held roles at Beam Suntory, MillerCoors and Wrigley. Calling Arby’s “ a truly differentiated brand with a maverick approach to marketing,” Patel said she’s “excited to work alongside Jim and the entire Arby’s team to bring meaty sandwiches and delightful experiences to our guests.”
She has an MBA in Marketing and International Business from Loyola University Chicago, and a BBA in Marketing and Management from DePaul University.