Burger King Corporation announced the appointment of Calvin Harris as senior director of product innovation, effective August 23, 2004. In his new role, Harris will be responsible for the development of new, innovative and relevant products that support the company's strategic initiatives. He reports directly to Denny Marie Post, chief concept officer.

Harris and his team, which includes Kevin Anderson, David Guilfoyle, Kevin Houston, Deb Schildts and Dan Stickley, each a manager of Research & Development within Burger King Corporation's marketing organization, will enhance current menu items, as well as optimize the product pipeline from research and development to execution in Burger King restaurants.

"Calvin is a highly respected professional in the culinary world," said Post. "He has a proven track record in understanding consumer demand and translating those insights into high-quality products that are meaningful to them."

Most recently, Harris was executive chef at Arby's, where he was responsible for leading product innovation and improvement in all areas of the menu. During his tenure, he introduced the New Market Fresh Salads and Market Fresh Specialty Sandwiches.

Prior to Arby's, Harris was corporate research & development chef for TGI Friday's, where he worked closely with the marketing department to develop new food concepts and enhance its menu. Harris has also held a variety of positions within country clubs and resorts throughout the country, responsible for the menu development, food preparation and handling. In addition, Harris served as chef for the U.S. Ski Team in the 2002 Winter Olympics and, in 2003, was nominated as one of Nation's Restaurant News' "Top 50 R&D Culinarians," as well as one of Restaurant Business Magazine's "Top Menu Strategists" for 2004.