Wingstop Restaurants Inc. has named Maurice Cooper as chief marketing officer, the fast-casual brand announced. Cooper most recently served as global vice president for Holiday Inn, a division of the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. He succeeds Flynn Dekker, who retired from Dallas-based Wingstop in March. Cooper (left) will oversee the chicken wing chain’s global marketing strategy and execution, and he will report to Charlie Morrison, Wingstop CEO and chairman. “Maurice has a strong track record of success as an award-winning marketer, as well as a business leader dedicated to consumer and franchisee satisfaction,” said Morrison in a statement. “As we continue to rapidly expand our footprint, Maurice will have an instrumental role in building and promoting the Wingstop brand globally.” Prior to Holiday Inn, Cooper worked with The Coca-Cola Co., where he worked on such emerging brands as Honest Tea, Illy Coffee and Zico. “I am thrilled to be joining the Wingstop team at a pivotal time in the company’s growth and to focus on a brand that is well respected for quality, service and flavor around the world,” Cooper said. “I look forward to collaborating with our leadership, partners and dedicated customer base.” Wingstop, founded in 1994, owns and franchises more than 1,100 locations across the United States as well in Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. – Source: NRN.