US pizza chain Marco’s Pizza has promoted Kristin Corcoran to chief legal counsel, replacing chief legal officer and general counsel Todd Watson.

Corcoran was previously Marco’s vice president of corporate counsel. In her new role, she will oversee the company’s legal department and advise the company on all legal issues, including strategic legal advice on franchising matters.

Toledo, Ohio-based Marco’s Pizza is one of the US’s fastest-growing pizza chains, with more than 1,200 stores across 34 states, including locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

Tony Libardi, co-CEO and president of Marco’s Pizza, said: “Kristin’s legal expertise has made a profound impact on Marco’s throughout her time with the brand. Her leadership, knowledge and contributions have been instrumental as we roll out new initiatives that benefit both our franchisees and customers.”

He added: “She has been a tremendous asset and addition to our executive team, and I look forward to seeing her continue to bring invaluable experience and perspective as we embark on our next era of growth.”

Corcoran has been with Marco’s Pizza since November 2022, having previously been of counsel at DLA Piper. She also spent two years co-running her own franchising-focused law firm Appleby & Corcoran having spent 25 years at US fast food chain Subway, latterly as senior associate GC.

She said: “The opportunity to serve at a leading franchise such as Marco’s – a brand with an outstanding culture and a rapidly expanding footprint – has been a unique and exciting experience. Since I joined Marco’s, the brand has made significant strides in furthering its growth, and I look forward to continuing our momentum for years to come.”

Watson, meantime, leaves the role after almost 11 years with the company. His legal career has spanned several franchise-related in-house roles, including Taco Bueno Restaurants (as GC for contract services), Burger King (as corporate counsel for contract services) and Jani-King and Metromedia Restaurant Group (as GC). He began his legal career in 1976.

Last year, global coffee chain Starbucks enticed former Medtronic GC Brad Lerman out of retirement to head up its legal department after a year-long search to replace Rachel Gonzalez, who was ousted following the return of CEO Howard Schultz.