John Dillon

Background

About John Dillon

John Dillon is a transformative President/Chief Executive Officer, Board Director, strategic advisor, investor and leadership mentor with a deep conviction that breakthrough business results and growth happens when brands build authentic connections with their guests, customers, and internal teams to drive breakthrough cultural relevance, business efficiencies, guest loyalty and ultimately sustained revenue and EBITDA impact. In addition to his current executive leadership, John serves as a Board member, advisor, mentor, and coach across consumer, retail, hospitality, sports/entertainment, tech, non-profit and higher education sectors. From startups to legacy brands, he provides strategic guidance to help organizations strengthen their market position, drive innovation, and achieve purpose-driven and lasting growth. Currently John is honored to lead La Madeleine Bakery & Café (part of Groupe LeDuff) as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all functions for this uniquely differentiated brand that thrives at the intersection of quality, value, and an exceptional guest experience. Previously, as President of Denny’s, John led a global team in revitalizing one of America’s most iconic brands. By focusing on guest needs, strengthening team culture, and deepening franchise partnerships, he helped drive over a decade of increased consumer relevance, sales and EBITDA growth, and operational success. Throughout his career, John has held executive leadership roles as President, Chief Brand Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer at the National Basketball Association, Yum! Brands (Pizza Hut), PepsiCo, and Omnicom. The impact of his leadership has been recognized nationally, earning Effie and Cannes Lion awards and numerous speaking roles and has received multiple recognitions on Forbes, Adweek, Nation’s Restaurant News, PR Week, and Business Insider’s “Top 50” and “Power Leader” lists—a reflection of the incredible teams he has been honored to lead and business results delivered along the journey.