WFF Taps Brand Guru Ellie Doty to Form New Leadership Power Duo

DALLAS, TX – April 21, 2026 – The Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) is ushering in a new chapter of strategic leadership, announcing today the appointment of marketing heavyweight Ellie Doty as its first Chief Brand Officer. The move fortifies a newly formed executive team, pairing Doty with recently appointed President & CEO Kelli Valade in a leadership duo poised to inject high-octane commercial strategy into the non-profit’s mission of advancing women leaders.

This leadership realignment signals a deliberate move by WFF to modernize its approach and amplify its impact across the foodservice industry. By bringing together Valade, a celebrated operator known for catalyzing transformational growth, and Doty, a marketing executive with a storied career building iconic consumer brands, WFF is betting that corporate growth disciplines can accelerate the advancement of its foundational cause.

A New Era of Commercial-Minded Leadership

The appointments of Valade and Doty represent a strategic reunion and a powerful combination of complementary skills. The two previously worked together at Denny's, where Valade served as CEO and Doty as Chief Brand Officer. This shared history suggests a pre-existing synergy that WFF aims to leverage for rapid, high-impact results.

Valade, who took the helm of WFF in February 2026 after leadership stints at Denny's, Red Lobster, and Chili's, is known for her deep operational expertise and ability to steer large organizations through periods of significant change. Doty, meanwhile, brings a career defined by shaping compelling brand narratives and driving commercial success for some of the world's most recognizable quick-service and casual dining chains.

"Ellie brings a rare combination of brand building, commercial acumen and deep industry knowledge," said Valade in the official announcement. "As we expand WFF's reach and impact, her leadership will be critical in helping us connect across the foodservice industry to develop the next generation of foodservice leaders."

This approach—applying the discipline of commercial growth to a non-profit framework—is an innovative strategy. The goal is to use proven brand-building techniques not to sell burgers or value meals, but to expand WFF’s membership, attract new corporate partners, and ultimately enhance the visibility and effectiveness of its leadership development programs. It's about marketing a mission with the same vigor and strategic foresight used to market a global brand.

From Global Brands to Industry Empowerment

Ellie Doty’s career trajectory provides a clear blueprint for the expertise she now brings to WFF. Her resume is a tour of modern foodservice marketing, marked by high-profile, results-driven campaigns. As the first North American Chief Marketing Officer for Burger King, she managed a $400 million budget and led a comprehensive brand overhaul in 2021 that included a new logo, packaging, and uniforms. She was also instrumental in launching the Royal Perks loyalty program, a key digital initiative for the brand.

Before that, as CMO at Chili's Grill & Bar, Doty was credited with driving positive sales and traffic through popular value programs like the "3 for $10" menu and the "$5 Margarita of the Month." Her deep experience also includes key marketing roles at KFC and Taco Bell, giving her a panoramic view of the industry's competitive landscape.

For Doty, a long-standing member of WFF, the move represents a pivot from building corporate brands to empowering an entire industry community. It’s a transition from a commercial role to a mission-driven one, but one where her commercial skills are the main asset.

"I haven't just built a rewarding career in the foodservice industry—I've become part of a powerful community," Doty stated. "The opportunity to apply modern brand-building and growth strategies to expand WFF's impact is both compelling and exciting. WFF helps foodservice professionals broaden their vision of what's possible and build the capacity to achieve it. I'm honored to join the team and help advance that mission."

Addressing a Persistent Industry Gap

The strategic reinforcement of WFF's leadership is not happening in a vacuum. It comes at a critical time for the foodservice sector, which, despite making strides in diversity, continues to grapple with significant representation gaps in its senior ranks. While women comprised about 45% of foodservice management in the U.S. in 2023, the path to the top remains narrow. Recent data shows that women of color hold only 7% of C-suite roles across the U.S. workforce, and within foodservice, only 21% of company boards included at least one woman, a figure that lags behind S&P 500 benchmarks.

These statistics underscore the urgency and relevance of WFF's work. The industry is facing a pressing need for talent, and organizations that fail to cultivate a diverse leadership pipeline risk falling behind. Research increasingly shows a direct link between effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and improved business outcomes, including higher employee engagement, better retention, and increased financial returns.

By strengthening its leadership with executives who understand the commercial realities of the industry, WFF is positioning itself as an essential partner for companies looking to build a more resilient and diverse workforce. The Valade-Doty team's mandate is not just to inspire but to provide tangible, data-driven solutions that help companies address the talent shortage and unlock the performance advantages of a more inclusive leadership structure.

Enhancing a Legacy of Leadership Development

Since its founding in 1989, WFF has built a robust platform for professional development. With a community of over 9,000 members and partnerships with 70 organizations, it has become a central hub for leadership training in the industry. Its core offerings include nationwide Leadership Development Workshops, an annual Leadership Conference that draws thousands, and WFF Connect, a digital platform for virtual learning and networking.

In her new role, Doty will be responsible for shaping and evolving these offerings. Her task will be to ensure WFF's programs remain relevant and impactful, meeting members at every stage of their career with on-demand resources, extensive networking opportunities, and world-class learning experiences. The infusion of her brand-building expertise is expected to elevate the visibility of these programs, attract a wider audience from new industry segments, and create a more cohesive and powerful brand identity for the organization.

With Valade's strategic vision and Doty's marketing prowess, WFF is poised to not only continue its legacy but to significantly accelerate its trajectory. This new leadership structure represents a powerful commitment to advancing women and creating work environments where everyone can thrive, ensuring the entire foodservice industry benefits from the full potential of all its leaders.