Kristen Hartman
President of Specialty Brands, FOCUS Brands
Kristen has nearly 25 years of experience in the quick service restaurant industry. A transformative and passionate leader, in her current role she partners with brand and cross-functional leaders to drive strategic growth and innovation across all four iconic Specialty Brands, Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, and Jamba.
In 2012, Hartman joined Focus Brands as vice president of marketing for Cinnabon, where she oversaw brand marketing, menu innovation and consumer engagement strategies. She led the strategic repositioning of the brand including the brand’s identity and store design, as well as a comprehensive marketing and menu evolution. Her leadership was instrumental in the brand’s resurgence as a global icon, increasing its footprint to over 1,400 locations around the globe and nearly 80 licensed products in the retail marketplace.
In 2015, she advanced to SVP of global marketing, Snack Brands, supporting development of marketing solutions for Focus Brands’ strong global snack brand footprint. Hartman was a key contributor in Focus Brands Global Channels and Licensing division leading marketing for multi-channel licensing growth. Following this role, Hartman became SVP of brand marketing strategy, influencing all brands within the Focus Brands portfolio, including Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe’s, McAlister’s and Schlotzsky’s, leading social media, public relations, strategic brand positioning and concept evolution.
After a six-year tenure with FOCUS Brands, Kristen Hartman was named president of Cinnabon aad Carvel in 2018. Through her vast experience with iconic food-service brands, Hartman brought the knowledge and passion necessary to sustain and strengthen the growth of both brands and enrich the corporate culture.
Hartman graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in finance and currently lives in Atlanta with her husband and two adorable dachshunds.
