MILFORD, CT — Subway has hired Lorri Christou to lead communications, part of the sandwich chain’s larger strategy of building out its communications function.

Christou has formally been named VP of public relations, communications and public affairs, in which role she will oversee all of Subway’s communications.

She brings 25 years of experience to the role. Most recently, she was Choice Hotels International’s VP of external communications and public relations.

Before that, she led marketing and communications for Cruise Lines International Association and worked at Edelman and FleishmanHillard.

Christou is not replacing anyone but comes onboard as part of the chain’s larger effort to expand its storytelling capabilities, a company rep said.

In the latter part of this year, Subway has also made changes in its PR agency partnerships. In October, the company handed Current Global its global PR business, which previously was handled by Ruder Finn. In November, Subway hired Taylor Herring for its UK consumer account and MSL for its EMEA corporate brief.