Food franchisor Retail Food Group Limited (RFG) has announced the creation of a new role, Head of International Development, to bolster its international growth strategy. 

Darren Dench, who has an established sales and marketing background, has been appointed to lead RFG’s global growth.

RFG CEO, Gary Alford said Dench joins the business with extensive and relevant experience within leading international organisations such as Colgate, Mars, Ferrero, and most recently, Lavazza Coffee, where he held the role of International Markets BU Director.

“Darren is an ambitious leader with extensive experience in change management, business turnaround, growth in emerging markets, sales execution, and brand acceleration across more than 60 countries,” he said.

“He will be responsible for leading the expansion of RFG’s brand systems into new international territories, and we look forward to welcoming him to the team and benefitting from his insight and experience.”

While RFG has its sights set on expanding its international footprint across various markets, and has multiple new territories on the radar, Alford said the company is also focusing its attention on the US market, the world’s largest.

“Right now we’re committed to growing the existing presence of Gloria Jean’s Coffees in the US, and introducing some of our other iconic retail food brands, including Donut King, Crust Gourmet Pizza, Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie and Pizza Capers, to American shores,” he added.