IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of 7,700 DQ restaurants in more than 20 countries via its subsidiaries. Credit: Tada Images/Shutterstock.

International Dairy Queen (IDQ), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has appointed Art D’Elia as its chief operating officer (COO) for the US and Canada.

He will report directly to president and CEO Troy Bader.

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Before joining IDQ, D’Elia led Domino’s Pizza’s international business and served as chief marketing officer for seven years.

He also served as chief marketing officer at Danone Dairy UBN (the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) and held marketing, strategy and development roles at PepsiCo.

He will oversee a team of 275 DQ employees in operations, training and marketing to drive financial performance, enhance franchisee sales and profits, and strengthen the DQ system’s growth.

Troy Bader stated: “Art’s strategic vision for the DQ business and strong leadership in brand strategy, marketing, operations and system sales growth position him well to lead our business in the US and Canada.

“His proven record of success in the quick-service restaurant industry paired with compelling marketing leadership in consumer packaged goods will elevate our franchise business to the next level and deliver on our vision to become the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.”

IDQ, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen and Dairy Queen Canada.

Through its subsidiaries, IDQ oversees a network of 7,700 restaurants across more than 20 countries.

D’Elia added: “It is a tremendous honour to join the DQ team and lead the business in the US and Canada.

“I have long admired the iconic DQ brand, and I am energised by the potential to grow the business, partner with world-class DQ franchisees and introduce even more consumers to the DQ experience.”