First Watch announced that chief marketing officer Chris Tomasso has been promoted to president of First Watch, effective January 1. Tomasso joined the First Watch executive team in 2006 and has led the company's marketing and strategic branding efforts during a decade of significant growth for the company.

Tomasso, a 23-year restaurant veteran, will be responsible for overseeing all restaurant operations in addition to First Watch's marketing and culinary functions. Before his tenure as chief marketing officer, Tomasso served as the vice president of marketing for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. and vce president of worldwide marketing for Hard Rock Cafe International.

"Chris brings a unique combination of strategic brand vision and tactical operations knowledge, and he has served as a trusted adviser to me since he joined First Watch nearly 10 years ago," says Ken Pendery, CEO of First Watch. "He has always embraced our culture and has helped lead First Watch through years of brand evolution and aggressive growth. I'm confident that we will continue on the path to success and maintain our dynamic culture with Chris in this new role."

Chris was named a Top Private Company CMO in 2012 by ExecRank and serves on the board of directors for the National Restaurant Association's Marketing executive group and the marketing advisory board for Share Our Strength's Dine Out for No Kid Hungry. He has also served on the board of directors for the University of Central Florida's Alumni Association.