---
title: "Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. to Appoint Scott Hudler Chief Marketing Officer"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/b7dbbe9f-d576-4842-955b-82bd3be039d9
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260811_red_robin_gourmet_burgers_inc_to_appoint_scott_hudler_chief_marketing_offic.html
category: "Burger"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Burger"
topics: ["Marketing","People"]
published: 2026-08-11T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T14:43:16.359Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. to Appoint Scott Hudler Chief Marketing Officer

**TL;DR:** Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. is appointing Scott Hudler as Chief Marketing Officer, who brings over 25 years of experience in the restaurant and retail industries. Hudler previously served as senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Whataburger and will oversee Red Robin's brand strategy and marketing efforts.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-08-11. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260811_red_robin_gourmet_burgers_inc_to_appoint_scott_hudler_chief_marketing_offic.html).*

## Story

"Scott has a proven track record of building iconic brands, connecting with guests and delivering broad-based business results," said Dave Pace, President and CEO of Red Robin. "His experience, creativity and guest-first mindset make him the right leader to advance our First Choice marketing approach and drive Red Robin's next phase of growth."

"I also want to thank Russ for his significant contributions to Red Robin and the progress we have made through our First Choice Strategy," Pace continued. "His commercial acumen, data-driven focus and disciplined approach to marketing have helped us connect with guests more effectively and improved the impact of our marketing."

Hudler brings more than 25 years of experience across the restaurant and retail industries and has developed a reputation for delivering measurable results through innovation and consumer engagement.

Most recently, Hudler served as senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Whataburger, where he led the company's brand, marketing, digital and customer engagement strategies. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles with well-known brands including Torchy's Tacos, Dunkin' Brands, Mars and Popeyes. Hudler earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in communications from Valdosta State University.

"Red Robin continues to have a tremendous opportunity to deepen its connection with guests and create even more reasons to visit as it builds on the momentum it has created," said Hudler. "I'm excited to join the team and help strengthen an iconic brand by delivering experiences that inspire loyalty, drive frequency and support long-term growth."

As chief marketing officer, Hudler will oversee Red Robin's brand strategy, advertising, digital marketing, loyalty program, culinary innovation and guest insights and marketing communications. Klein will support Hudler's transition and remain with Red Robin in his consultative role through the end of 2026.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- QSR (sector)
- executive appointment (topic)
- Red Robin (company)
- marketing leadership (topic)
- Whataburger (company)
- brand strategy (topic)
- Dave Pace (person)
- Scott Hudler (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260811_red_robin_gourmet_burgers_inc_to_appoint_scott_hudler_chief_marketing_offic.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/b7dbbe9f-d576-4842-955b-82bd3be039d9).