May 5/Food & Beverage Close-Up -- Burger King Corp. announced the appointment of Natalia Franco as executive vice president and global chief marketing officer, effective May 17.

In a release, the company noted that in this executive leadership position, Franco will be responsible for the its global marketing function, overseeing product innovation, consumer insights and the development, implementation and communication of the Burger King brand's marketing and advertising strategies worldwide. She will be based in the company's world headquarters in Miami, Fla., and will serve on the company's global executive team, reporting to John W. Chidsey, chairman and chief executive officer.

"Natalia is a seasoned marketing professional with a wealth of consumer marketing experience and we are fortunate to have her join our team," Chidsey said. "Her global perspective and diverse background working for a number of well-known and world-class companies positions her well to help strategically drive the Burger King brand forward."

Franco most recently served as vice president, global marketing and innovation for The Coca-Cola Company, where she was responsible for all cross-functional marketing efforts for the McDonald's Division, including R&D, consumer insights, marketing and operations innovation working with business units around the world. Prior to joining The Coca-Cola Company, Franco worked for General Mills Inc., where she held a variety of U.S. domestic and international marketing positions of increasing responsibility.

From the May 10, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition