News

California Pizza Kitchen names former Telepizza, Dunkin' international pres to top development spot

California Pizza Kitchen Vice President of Global Development & Franchise Operations Giorgio Minardi (Photo provided).

November 20, 2019

California Pizza Kitchen has named former Telepizza International and Dunkin' Brands international president, Giorgio Minardi as its executive vice president of Global Development & Franchise Operations. Minardi will lead the development of the brand's international and domestic franchise business with an immediate focus on what a news release said is aggressive growth of the brand worldwide. 

Under Minardi's leadership, CPK sees significant opportunities to add to the company's presence in Asia with a focus on Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia. Expansion in the Middle East, Australia, and Europe will also be additional areas of focus starting in 2020, the release said.

"CPK is proud to welcome Giorgio to the executive team," CPK CEO Jim Hyatt, said in the release. "We're confident that his unique blend of marketing, operational and development experience building global brands, including significant on-the-ground experience in Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the North American markets will be a great asset to CPK as we set out to meet our aggressive international and franchise growth targets for 2020."

Minardi was most recently international president at Madrid-based Telepizza Group, leading an IPO launch for the company and entry into five new international markets. Prior, Minardi held roles as the international president for Dunkin' Brands, as well as international leadership roles for Burger King and McDonald's.

Currently, CPK has 40 international franchise locations in 10 countries, as well as 16 domestic franchise locations in airports, casinos, and other non-traditional restaurant locations throughout the United States.

"If the world can agree on one thing, it's a love for great pizza and a warm, welcoming environment to enjoy it in with friends and family," said Minardi. "I look forward to working with CPK's world-class franchise partners to bring the already beloved brand to even more guests around the globe."

The brand now has more than 240 restaurants in 10 countries and U.S. territories.