- Kenneth Hein

Domino’s Pizza has appointed Russell Weiner, 39, its new CMO. He fills a post vacated by Ken Calwell, who left the pizza delivery chain after seven years to head up marketing at Wendy’s.

Weiner, who was most recently vp-marketing at Pepsi-Cola North America, will assume the post on Sept. 22. Weiner was named one of Brandweek’s Marketers of the Next Generation  earlier this year thanks in part to his role in launching Diet Pepsi Max, the latest iteration of Pepsi Stuff and failed attempt to send Pepsi consumers into space.

Weiner had reported to former PCNA CMO Cie Nicholson who departed in July. Pepsi veteran Dave Burwick took over marketing responsibilities last month as CMO. Prior to joining Pepsi Weiner worked at DraftFCB and Philip Morris.

“Russell brings not only vast consumer marketing experience, but a special energy to our team that we’re all very excited about, and I believe our franchisees will share,” said Domino’s USA president Patrick Doyle in a statement. “His expertise spans across many marketing competencies, including both traditional and new media, with a proven ability to lead strategically and deliver on a plan.”

Dominos spent $145 million on U.S. media last year (not including online), per Nielsen Monitor-Plus. It doled out $74 million for the first half of this year, including a major push behind its Dark Knight feature film tie-in.