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Jim Salerno has been dedicated to delighting guests around the United States with the original soft-serve since joining the first retail ice cream franchise brand nearly 25 years ago. As Chief Brand Officer, Jim leads the brand’s strategic management and organizational initiatives, while collaborating with brand franchisees and shoppe owners. He and his team are ultimately responsible for the operations, training, brand marketing and financial success of Carvel. He began his career in hotel food and beverage with Hilton, moving to theme restaurant management and training with Uno’s and Bertucci’s, as well as Human Resources and Training roles with another beloved food brand, Nathan’s Famous. He joined Carvel in 1998 as a district and then regional manager. A well-respected leader in the QSR industry, he ultimately was named Vice President of Operations and Training for Carvel, serving brand franchisees in that role for more than a decade. He was named Chief Brand Officer in early 2022.

A New Yorker born and bred, his passion for Carvel began at a very young age when his family celebrated special occasions with Fudgie the Whale and Cookie Puss. Jim attended SUNY Empire State College and received an undergraduate degree in Business Management and Economics, and he is pursuing an MBA degree. He and his family reside in Fort Myers, Florida.