US franchisor Focus Brands has appointed a new senior VP and MD for its Asia Pacific markets.

Ken Chen will lead the ongoing expansion of the company’s portfolio in such countries as Australia, China and Indonesia.

The group’s international growth outreach is led by the brands Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon, followed by Carvel, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s.

Chen brings 20 years of management consulting experience to Focus Brands. He comes from 12 years at LEK Consulting, where he led the China consumer products practice, focussing on helping international companies with their China and Asia entry and growth strategies.

“His experience is critical to achieving our global growth efforts,” says Focus Brands International president Nicolas Boudet.

Based in Atlanta, Focus Brands is responsible for more than 4500 ice-cream shops, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes in the US, Puerto Rico and 60 other countries.