• September 21, 2007

Dallas-based Pizza Hut has named Brian Niccol its chief marketing officer, replacing Bill Ogle, who left the company after holding the position for two years.

Niccol was previously the company's VP/National Brand Marketing and Strategy, where he was responsible for the development of a mega brand strategy and the development of all national brand marketing programs. In this role, he helped lead Pizza Hut in 2007 to its highest share level in three years while delivering same-store sales growth.

Niccol joined Pizza Hut in 2005 as the VP/Strategy. In this role, he created the brand strategy that has successfully re-positioned the brand for growth. Before joining Pizza Hut, Niccol spent 10 years in various brand management positions at Procter & Gamble. He was recognized in an Advertising Age Special Report of "40 Under Forty" in 2007.

--Nina M. Lentini