
Flynn Group taps Corina Black as Wendy's CMO in APAC
She will oversee the brand’s expansion across the region.
Flynn Group has named Corina Black as the chief marketing officer of Wendy's in the Asia Pacific region, a newly established role aimed at expanding the brand across the region, according to Mi3.
The new appointment follows the US franchisee operator's opening of Wendy’s first Australian location in January.
Black has a strong background in the sports and hospitality sectors, with senior marketing and commercial roles at organisations including the National Rugby League, the Australian Turf Club, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
"As the Chief Marketing Officer, I have the privilege of leading the charge to bring this iconic brand to the Australian market,” said Black. “We're here to deliver something different: a brand with personality, a menu with quality, and an experience that customers will want to share.”
Black joins Flynn Group alongside Richard Wallis, the newly named managing director, who brings over 30 years of experience in the quick-service restaurant industry.
Wallis began his career at Yum! Restaurants’ Pizza Hut, where he spent two decades and eventually became president of Pizza Hut Canada in 2013. He later transitioned to KFC, another Yum! brand, where he held various senior leadership roles across Asia over the past ten years.
Most recently, Wallis served as managing director of KFC Asia Pacific, overseeing operations for 17,000 restaurants and generating more than US$16b in revenue. His arrival comes as Phil Reed departs the role.
Founded in 1999 by Greg Flynn, Flynn Group manages the operations of seven major brands and 2,900 restaurants across three countries. With annual sales reaching US$5b, the company employs more than 75,000 people.
In a recent move to expand its global footprint, Flynn Group launched Wendy’s Australia with a debut location on the Gold Coast. This follows its 2023 acquisition of Pizza Hut Australia.
The group now holds master franchise rights for Pizza Hut in Australia, as well as Wendy’s in both Australia and New Zealand.