---
title: "Central Bark names new marketing VP"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/328f28d2-0d5b-4978-bece-2e93bfc3bcd9
source: "Franchise Magazine USA"
original_url: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/central-bark-names-new-marketing-vp/
author: "Andrew Carlo"
category: "Grooming"
industry: "Pets"
segment: "Grooming"
topics: ["Marketing","People"]
published: 2025-12-02T13:27:03.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T00:53:48.395Z
image: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Central_Bark_Logo.jpg
---

# Central Bark names new marketing VP

**TL;DR:** Central Bark has appointed Michele Whaley as its new vice president of marketing, who will lead brand strategy and marketing innovation to drive growth. Whaley brings over two decades of marketing leadership experience across various industries.

*By Andrew Carlo, originally published in Franchise Magazine USA on 2025-12-02. [Read the original](https://franchisemagazineusa.com/central-bark-names-new-marketing-vp/).*

## Story

Central Bark has announced that it has named a new marketing executive to its leadership team.

The dog care franchise reported that it has appointed Michele Whaley as its new vice president of marketing. In the new role, Whaley will be responsible for leading brand strategy, marketing innovation, and franchise support to drive growth and strengthen system-wide performance.

“Michele brings an exceptional track record of building franchise brands through data-driven marketing, strong collaboration and a deep understanding of the customer journey,” said Bob Crawford, CEO of Central Bark. “Her leadership will play a pivotal role in amplifying our brand story, supporting franchisees and ensuring more dogs and families experience the difference of Central Bark’s Whole Dog Care philosophy.”

Whaley brings more than two decades of marketing leadership experience across franchise, hospitality and wellness industries. Most recently, she served as vice president of Marketing for FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, where she led marketing operations and franchise communications for more than 600 locations nationwide. She has also held executive marketing roles with Front Burner Brands (The Melting Pot) and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

“Central Bark is driving innovation and growth across the dog care industry, and I’m grateful to be part of that momentum,” said Whaley. “This role allows me to combine two of my greatest passions—dogs and franchise marketing—and I’m excited to help build on the brand’s success.”

Whaley is based in Sarasota, Florida, where she lives with her dog, Bear.

The franchise added that Whaley will oversee all aspects of marketing strategy, including brand development, digital engagement, consumer insights and franchisee marketing support designed to enhance customer experience and loyalty.

Founded in 2003, the Central Bark franchise system operates under the name Barkley Ventures Franchising, LLC. The brand operates 43 locations in 16 states.

## Entities

- franchise growth (topic)
- Franchise Magazine USA (publication)
- Pets (sector)
- Andrew Carlo (person)
- marketing leadership (topic)
- brand strategy (topic)
- FYZICAL (company)
- Central Bark USA (company)
- Bob Crawford (person)
- Barkley Ventures Franchising, LLC (company)

---
Originally reported by Andrew Carlo, Franchise Magazine USA (https://franchisemagazineusa.com/central-bark-names-new-marketing-vp/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/328f28d2-0d5b-4978-bece-2e93bfc3bcd9).