Denny’s promotes 3 executives

Denny’s Corp., the Spartanburg, South Carolina-based operator and franchisor of the Denny’s family-dining chain, promoted three executives this week. Senior vice president Chris Bode added the title of chief operating officer. Previously, he was senior vice president of operations since January 2013. Bode will now direct all of Denny’s operations at company-owned and franchised locations. John Dillon is now chief marketing officer and senior vice president, after serving most recently as vice president of marketing. Dillon joined the brand in 2007 and was instrumental to previous marketing efforts like the $2 $4 $6 $8 Value Menu and Denny’s current “America’s Diner” campaign. Vice president of human resources Jill Van Pelt has been named chief people officer and senior vice president. In this newly created role for Denny’s, Van Pelt will continue to oversee all human resources functions, along with internal communications and crisis management. Of Denny’s 1,693 restaurants in the United States and 11 foreign markets, 1,533 units are franchised.