Quick Service Restaurant Holdings (QSRH) has announced two newly created positions in its senior leadership team, which were effective 1 April, 2015.

Both roles will be instrumental in driving and delivering overarching business strategy and financial performance.

Kim Russell has been appointed chief customer officer, responsible for customer engagement, marketing, digital, PR and corporate communications across all brands.

“Kim is a highly regarded marketing professional with a track record of driving solid business results, sales growth, strong leadership and innovation. Kim’s role and appointment signifies an exciting shift in our business and we have been impressed by Kim’s contribution to the business thus far,” said Rob Coombe, CEO of QSRH.

Before joining QSRH last year, Russell most recently held a senior marketing position at Westpac. Prior to that she was marketing director for Nando’s Australasia, a board level role where during her four years she delivered exponential growth for the company and orchestrated and delivered a digital transformation. Russell also launched the brand’s loyalty program ‘Peri-Perks’ with Katy Perry, which caught the attention of the industry, as did her leadership on the brand’s irreverent tonality which resonated particularly with Gen Ys and resulted in stealing significant market share from the major fast-food chains. Prior to that Kim was general manager of brand and advertising for Telstra.

“The potential of these three proudly Australian brands is incredible. I couldn’t be more excited about my appointment or the ambitious strategy we intend to deliver,” said Russell.

The second appointment is Tricia Southwell as director of menu and innovation. Southwell is responsible for the development and execution of all menu innovation across all brands.

“Tricia has the perfect credentials for this exciting new role. She has a strong reputation as a driver of positive change and will play a significant role in defining how our brands deliver the greatest value to our customers through best-in-class menu offering and innovation,” said Coombe.

Southwell established the first menu innovation team at McDonald’s Australia and also has in-depth expertise in franchising, having been the franchisee of six stores in the fitness industry. She was most recently client services director and member of the management team for one of Australia’s leading in-store retail communications agencies.

“QSRH and our franchisees are filled with anticipation and excitement around the growth expected from these two roles,” Coombe concluded.