Cava has named John Ludeke its chief marketing officer, according to Nation's Restaurant News.

The appointment puts Ludeke at the head of marketing for one of the fastest-growing names in fast-casual dining, a chain built on Mediterranean bowls and dips that has expanded rapidly from its Mid-Atlantic base into markets across the United States.

As CMO, Ludeke takes control of a brand that has leaned heavily on menu innovation, digital ordering growth and cultural relevance to drive traffic — levers that will define his mandate as the company competes against category leaders in a fast-casual segment where marketing spend increasingly determines unit-level performance.

No details on Ludeke's prior role, start date or reporting structure were included in the announcement as reported.

The move signals Cava's continued investment in brand leadership as it scales, and industry watchers will be watching how Ludeke's strategy shapes the chain's advertising, menu messaging and digital engagement in the quarters ahead.