Source: MediaPost
Former AutoNation and Nissan CMO Jeremy Tucker is heading to Dave & Buster’s as the entertainment brand’s CMO
Tucker also has a history in entertainment as well as food and beverage, having also served in high-level positions at PepsiCo., The Walt Disney Co. and Spin Master.
“Dave & Buster’s is one of the rare places where adults remember how to play and few brands hold the kind of cultural permission D&B has earned,” Tucker wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Turning that love into growth is a once-in-a-career opportunity that lines up perfectly with where I’ve spent my career, at the intersection of brand, sports and entertainment, and culture. I’m pumped to join the team.”
Tucker joined AutoNation last April. Before leaving Nissan in 2019, Tucker pioneered high-impact integrated marketing campaigns resulting in four straight years of market share growth. Earlier, as vice president of strategic marketing at The Walt Disney Company, Tucker increased global market share of the Disney Princess franchise.
During his tenure as executive vice president, global chief marketing officer and chief franchise officer at Spin Master, he spearheaded the launch of new entertainment franchises. Previously, as Planet Fitness’ CMO, he accelerated a digital transformation, boosted brand loyalty and grew membership to record levels.
Tucker will be based in Dallas and will report to CEO Tarun Lal, who took the helm of the company last July. He replaces Megan Tobin, who left Dave & Buster’s last June. Melissa Powers, vice president of marketing at the company, has been serving as interim head of marketing since Tobin’s departure. She will now report to Tucker.
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment recently posted financial results for the quarter ending May 5. Revenue of $559.2 million decreased 1.5% from the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Comparable store sales decreased 5.4% compared to the same calendar period in fiscal 2025.
The company opened one new domestic store in the first quarter and has opened three additional domestic stores in the second quarter and also completed remodels of six Dave & Buster’s stores thus far in fiscal 2026 and expects to complete two additional Dave & Buster’s store remodels during the remainder of fiscal 2026.
“While first quarter results fell short of expectations, our back-to-basics strategy is gaining clear traction,” Lal said in a release. “We are driving meaningful progress across food and beverage, marketing, and our refreshed remodel program, which are delivering a sharper value proposition and driving a stronger guest experience. We have the right strategy, the right team, and the right momentum, and we are highly confident in our ability to drive positive comps for the remainder of the year while generating over $100 million in free cash flow in fiscal 2026.”
The chain recently commissioned Talker Research to survey 5,000 adults which resulted in the brand’s first State of Fun Report. Results revealed that almost half (48%) found their lives currently lacking fun, despite a whopping 89% that believe “having fun with others leads to healthier, stronger relationships,” according to Marketing Daily.
