Retirement of Janet Gieselman Marks a New Era for Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão, an internationally celebrated Brazilian restaurant, has officially announced the retirement of its Chief Marketing Officer, Janet Gieselman. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years in the restaurant sector, Janet's departure signals the end of a significant chapter for the brand. She will continue to provide consulting services to the company through 2025, ensuring a smooth transition.
Celebrating a Transformation in Brand Presence
CEO Barry McGowan expressed immense gratitude for Janet's transformative impact on Fogo de Chão's brand over the past decade. Her expertise has not only elevated the restaurant's market presence but has also driven substantial growth through innovative marketing strategies. Janet's adept ability to unify teams across the organization played a critical role in fostering Fogo's development and success.
Achievements During Her Tenure
Since joining Fogo in 2014 as Vice President of Marketing and later being promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in 2018, Janet has implemented a series of initiatives that introduced Fogo's exceptional dining experience to new demographics while nurturing its loyal customer base. Her innovative operational and marketing models have reinforced consistent and profitable operations across more than 100 locations.
Resilience Amid Market Challenges
Throughout her tenure, Fogo de Chão achieved a decade of consistent sales growth and increased market share, despite the industry's many challenges. This success can be attributed to the brand's forward-thinking marketing strategies, which consistently emphasize creating unforgettable dining experiences for guests.
Community and Employee Engagement
Janet has been instrumental in shaping Fogo's marketing to focus on community engagement and corporate social responsibility. Under her leadership, the restaurant has established robust partnerships, like its collaborative efforts with No Kid Hungry, which have provided over 6.3 million meals to children suffering from food insecurity.
Diverse Experience in the Restaurant Industry
Before joining Fogo de Chão, Janet held various senior roles that further refined her expertise in marketing and brand management. She was Vice President of Marketing at Joe's Crab Shack and Romano's Macaroni Grill and also served as the Director of Marketing and Innovation at Brinker International. Her vast experience has enabled her to master brand-building and guest engagement strategies.
A Legacy of Strategic Marketing
McGowan acknowledged Janet's remarkable blend of strategy, analytics, and creativity, which has laid the foundation for future brand development. He noted that as Fogo de Chão looks forward to building on its 45-year legacy, Janet's contributions will continue to resonate within the company.
Educational Background
Janet earned her Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from the University of North Texas and completed the Carlson Executive Leadership Program at the University of Minnesota. Her accomplishments extend beyond Fogo as she actively advises emerging restaurant brands, sharing her insight and knowledge on navigating a competitive landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Janet Gieselman?
Janet Gieselman is the former Chief Marketing Officer of Fogo de Chão, known for her innovative contributions to the brand over her nearly decade-long tenure.
What will happen after Janet's retirement?
Although Janet will retire from her day-to-day role, she will continue to serve as an advisor to Fogo de Chão throughout 2025.
What achievements did Janet accomplish at Fogo de Chão?
During her time at Fogo, Janet helped the company achieve significant growth and establish strong community partnerships, notably with No Kid Hungry.
How long has Janet been with Fogo de Chão?
Janet joined Fogo de Chão in 2014, initially serving as Vice President of Marketing before becoming the Chief Marketing Officer in 2018.
What is Fogo de Chão known for?
Fogo de Chão specializes in the culinary technique of churrasco, offering a unique dining experience with high-quality meat selections and an exquisite atmosphere.
