- Brandweek Staff

Sonic Corp. has named Danielle Vona chief marketing officer. Vona hails from PepsiCo, where she served as vp of marketing.

Vona spent 11 years at PepsiCo, overseeing various aspects of marketing. The brands she managed include Propel, Pepsi's flavored soft drink portfolio like Sierra Mist, and Pepsi's juice and dairy portfolio. Vona was also responsible for new brand launches and packaging innovation.

"We are pleased to have Danielle join our team. With her extensive knowledge of branding, packaging and customer research, she brings the necessary experience and perspective to Sonic," said Sonic's CEO Clifford Hudson, in a statement. "Additionally, Danielle has demonstrated leadership skills that will blend well with Sonic's marketing department, the organization generally and our franchisees."

Sonic is an Oklahoma City-based fast-food restaurant chain. It has more than 3,500 drive-ins nationwide.

Independent Barkley in Kansas City handles Sonic, which spends $180 million-plus annually in measured media, per Nielsen.