Fast-casual chain Pokeworks tapped Abe van Beek to serve as director of culinary.

In this role van Beek assumes responsibility for culinary development, including long-term menu expansion and optimization as well as the creation and implementation of limited time offers and new menu items.

van Beek has spent 15 years specializing in project management, innovative sales development and menu analysis. He served as a corporate executive chef at Gelson’s Markets, director of culinary operations at Greenleaf Gourmet Chop Shop and menu innovation executive chef with IHOP.

Pokeworks also named Michele LaMont the chain’s director of marketing. LaMont will lead the day-to-day execution of national marketing programs and brand marketing while supporting both corporate and franchised locations. She will lead a team assisting operators with new restaurant openings, local store marketing and merchandising.