T Vampugani Subway appoints Greg Lyons, former PepsiCo CMO, to steer global marketing as it shifts creative duties to Publicis’s Leo New York.
Subway has named Greg Lyons as its new global Chief Marketing Officer, marking a decisive move in the sandwich giant’s ongoing reinvention. Lyons, who most recently led marketing for PepsiCo’s U.S. beverage division, will assume the role on May 19, reporting directly to interim CEO Carrie Walsh.
Lyons steps in as Subway reshapes its marketing muscle, having recently awarded its creative account to Publicis Groupe’s newly merged Leo New York. The agency will partner closely with Lyons on what Subway describes as a “transformative, guest-centric marketing strategy.” His remit spans global brand marketing, digital platforms, culinary innovation, data and insights, and broader business transformation.
The appointment signals continuity and ambition. Lyons brings deep experience across consumer brands like Mountain Dew and Gatorade, both of which leaned heavily on cultural relevance and digital engagement under his leadership. His arrival follows a turbulent period at PepsiCo, where the flagship cola has struggled to hold share in a crowded market and the company has pivoted towards wellness-oriented products, including its $2B acquisition of Poppi.
Meanwhile, Subway is navigating a turnaround that includes menu overhauls, extensive store remodels, and aggressive franchising abroad. The chain has leaned on high-profile athletes and the enduring “Eat Fresh” platform to claw back relevance. Lyons’ appointment is expected to accelerate this repositioning at a time when quick-service brands face intensifying competition for digitally native, health-conscious consumers.
