Location Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas, United States Regions Southern US Gender Male
Website www.john-dillon.net/ Facebook View on Facebook LinkedIn View on LinkedIn X (Twitter) View on X
John Dillon is a seasoned senior executive and board member with an impressive 30-year career in brand management, marketing, and general management. Known for his pragmatic approach, he has a proven track record of connecting brands with customers to drive business performance.
Formerly the President, Chief Brand Officer, and Chief Marketing
Officer of Denny’s Corporation (NASDAQ: DENN), John held key leadership roles during his 16-year tenure at the international $2.9B-revenue company. His contributions led to the refocus on critical growth segments, the rollout of new equipment platforms, increased investment in technology infrastructure, and the development of a comprehensive social impact strategy. Notably, he achieved significant improvements in guest satisfaction, positive relationships with franchisees, and the successful launch of the company’s delivery business.
Before his time at Denny’s, John Dillon served as Chief Marketing Officer for the NBA’s Houston Rockets franchise from 2005 to 2007, where he spearheaded the launch of the franchise’s first-ever e-commerce platform and achieved notable successes in customer experience metrics and ticket sales.
His earlier career includes a decade with Yum! Brands, focusing on the Pizza Hut brand, where he held various roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in Director of Marketing & Innovation/Strategy. John commenced his career at Fidelity Investments.
Recognized for his achievements, John Dillon has received multiple distinctions, including being named in Forbes “World’s 50 Most Influential CMOs,” PRWeek “Power 50”, Adweek “Power 50”, Nation’s Restaurant News “Power List,” and Business Insider “Top 50 CMOs in the World.”
John Dillon holds a BBA in Marketing & Quantitative Business Analysis from Baylor University and has extended certification from Harvard Business School Executive Education in Finance for Senior Executives.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, John Dillon has dedicated over a decade to board service for associations, universities, nonprofits, and related industry boards. Notably, he serves on the Hankamer Business School Advisory Board at Baylor University, and the Women in Business Advisory Board, and is an Executive in Residence. Additionally, he contributes to Clemson University's Erwin Center Board of Advisors and volunteers for the Texas/Oklahoma chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
