Dunkin’ taps Coca-Cola vet to head up marketing

Dunkin' has ended its search for a marketing chief. 

The company named Rafael Acevedo, 46, as Dunkin' U.S. chief marketing officer, effective immediately. Acevedo brings more than two decades of strategy, advertising and marketing experience to Dunkin' from Coca-Cola North America, where he has held various senior management positions leading global marketing, innovation, and brand transformation for many of the world's leading beverage brands.

Most recently, Acevedo served as the VP, marketing and general manager for Coca-Cola Company's expansive tea portfolio. 

Dunkin’ initiated a search for a new chief marketing officer in late 2019, following the unexpected resignation of Tony Weisman. 

As Dunkin' U.S. CMO, Acevedo will lead marketing, product innovation, field marketing, advertising, as well as the brand's digital marketing initiatives. He will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that build Dunkin's position as a leading coffee and beverage brand and will partner closely with the operations team to drive sales.

"Rafael is a highly-experienced, talented, strong business leader with a proven track record of building and modernizing the world's most iconic and beloved beverage brands," said Scott Murphy, head of the Inspire beverage-snack category and president of Dunkin'. "With his extensive brand transformation experience, consumer-centric approach to marketing, and ability to build and inspire teams, we're confident that he will propel Dunkin' to the next level."

Dunkin' has more than 12,600 restaurants in 40 countries worldwide. It is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants.