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George Williams is the chief marketing officer of Applebee's International, Inc., the world's largest casual dining concept, based in Overland Park, Kansas. In addition to marketing and advertising, Williams is responsible for overall direction of Applebee's food and menu strategy, as well as research and development.
Williams joined Applebee's as chief marketing officer in February 2007. Prior to joining Applebee's, Williams was the senior vice president of marketing for Blockbuster, Inc. where he led marketing efforts for the 5,000-store, $4 billion-brand for four years (1997-2002). Most recently, he served as a private marketing consultant. Williams' background includes extensive agency work including serving as vice president, client services, at The Richards Group, MARC USA, and the M/A/R/C Group.
He also served as vice president of field marketing and sales development at Pearle Vision Center and as vice president of advertising and promotion at Long John Silver's Holdings, Inc. He also enjoyed success as vice president of marketing for Days Inn where he established the company as a national brand and helped triple its size in three years.
Williams received his bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in advertising from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enjoys outdoor recreational activities, including golfing, hunting and fishing. Williams has two grown children. He and his wife, Cindi, reside on a ranch on the east side of Dallas and plan to relocate to the Kansas City area in the near future. | 