Quick Service Restaurant Holdings (QSRH) has appointed former Nando’s marketing chief, Kim Russell, to the newly created role of chief customer office, and former McDonald’s executive, Tricia Southwell, as director of menu and innovation.

QSRH operates the Red Rooster, Oporto, and Chicken Treat franchise chains.

Before joining QSRH, Russell held a senior marketing position at Westpac and prior to that was marketing director for Nando’s Australasia. At Nando’s Russell launched the brand’s loyalty program ‘Peri-Perks’ with Katy Perry. Prior to that, Russell was GM of brand and advertising for Telstra.

In her new role, Russell will be responsible for customer engagement, marketing, digital, PR, and corporate communications across all brands.

“Kim is a highly regarded marketing professional with a track record of driving solid business results, sales growth, strong leadership and innovation. Kim’s role and appointment signifies an exciting shift in our business and we have been impressed by Kim’s contribution to the business thus far,” said Rob Coombe, CEO of QSRH.

Southwell’s role as director of menu and innovation is also a newly created position, where she will be responsible for the development and execution of all menu innovation across all brands.

“Tricia has the perfect credentials for this exciting new role. She has a strong reputation as a driver of positive change and will play a significant role in defining how our brands deliver the greatest value to our customers through best in class menu offering and innovation,” said Coombe.

Southwell was most recently client services director at Guihen Jones and prior that was company director of gym franchise, Curves; and senior brand and strategy manager at McDonald’s and was responsible for establishing the fast food giants first menu innovation team.