Johnny Rockets announced today the appointment of Charles Bruce as the company's new president and chief executive officer.

Bruce brings to Johnny Rockets more than 35 years of experience in marketing and leadership positions. 

Most recently, Bruce was president and chief executive officer of Peter Piper Pizza, a regional pizza chain where he was hired in 2009 as chief marketing officer to develop and implement the strategy to turn the brand around. Following the successful turnaround, Bruce was promoted to president and chief executive officer.

"We're fortunate to have Charles Bruce join Johnny Rockets," says David Finnigan, a member of Johnny Rockets' board of directors. "Charles impressed us with his strong leadership skills demonstrated throughout his career and he has a solid background developing integrated brand strategies that achieved substantial sales growth for a variety of brands. Moreover, he has a proven track record establishing productive relationships with franchise partners."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Johnny Rockets team and excited about working with the leadership team, our employees, restaurant teams, franchise partners, and suppliers to contribute to the growth and profitability of the company," Bruce says. 

Earlier in his career, Bruce held marketing and brand strategy positions with the International Pizza Hut Franchise Holders Association as vice president of marketing and at Wendy's as vice president of international marketing. Bruce also held positions at Damon's Grill, Captain D's Seafood and Salsarita's Fresh Cantina.

Bruce will be based at Johnny Rockets headquarters in Aliso Viejo, California, and is relocating to the Orange County area.