Marco’s Pizza Taps QSR Veteran as Chief Development Officer

Marco’s Pizza has hired 20-year quick-service restaurant industry veteran Gerardo Flores as chief development officer.

Flores will be responsible for developing U.S. and international growth strategies, streamlining the development process and driving expansion for the pizza chain, which recently celebrated the opening of its 1,100th store.

Marco’s Pizza’s new C-suite executive brings experience in real estate development, having held leadership roles in the franchise industry for 20 years. He most recently served as vice president of real estate at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, where he developed growth strategies for new and existing markets. His resume also includes serving as vice president of real estate at Jersey Mike’s Subs, senior director of development at Quiznos and real estate manager at Cold Stone Creamery.

“We’ve set forth aggressive franchise development growth goals, and bringing in a strong franchise leader is paramount to deliver on our future success,” says Tony Libardi, co-CEO and president of Marco’s Pizza, in a press release. “With decades of increasingly successful franchise experience in the quick-service restaurant industry, Gerardo brings a vision and growth business mindset as we continue to expand across the country and beyond.”

Marco’s Pizza currently has 200 stores in various stages of development and more than 350 agreements signed, according to the company.