The Wendy's Company, Dublin, Ohio, said it hired Brandon Solano, 43, as senior vice president of marketing. Solano will report to Wendy's Chief Marketing Officer Craig Bahner and will lead the company's brand marketing efforts.

"Brandon has a proven track record of building businesses and organizations. He's a step change thinker who delivers innovation in everything he does," says Bahner. "He will be a huge asset to The Wendy's Company and our system, and will help lead our brand transformation to the next level."

Prior to joining Wendy's, Solano served three years as vice president of franchise development at Domino's, leading retail store expansion, global retail re-imaging and franchise recruiting. From 2008 to 2011,Solano spearheaded product innovation at Domino's, where his team created an award-winning pipeline of innovative products.

Prior to Domino's, Solano served as marketing director for The Hershey Company. In this role, he led marketing and product innovation for Hershey's largest brand, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, as well as Hispanic marketing.

Solano also has held marketing positions with Procter & Gamble, the Kellogg Company and Newell Rubbermaid, where he oversaw the launch of the brand's culinary school, the Calphalon Culinary Center.

Solano holds a B.S. from Grand Valley State University and a M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.