Craveable Brands has named Ben Simmons as the new marketing director for Oporto Australia, effective from late last year. 

Simmons was previously the GM of marketing and operations for Taco Bell at Restaurant Brands Australia and the senior marketing manager at KFC. 

Simmons has 20 years of marketing and fast food business experience, having previously worked for companies such as Kit Kat, Uncle Toby’s, and Diet Coke in Australia and the UK.

“Ben brings a strong strategic capability and an unwavering customer and growth mindset to the team,” said Samantha Bragg, CEO at Oporto Franchising. 

“Oporto is in a period of rapid growth as we expand our market presence through an accelerated new store opening strategy while continuing to transform our CX and broaden our market appeal to deliver continued same-store growth.”

Oporto has opened 11 stores since July, including an expansion into Queensland cities including Bundaberg, Rockhampton, and Townsville. The company intends to end the fiscal year with around 25 new stores.