Dunkin' Donuts Brings In New Ceo

(Friday, January 02, 2009) - Dunkin' Donuts will be under new leadership in 2009, as longtime CEO Jon Luther will step aside and Nigel Travis, who departed Papa John's as president, becomes CEO of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins effective Jan. 9.

According to the coffee and doughnut chain, Luther, 65, who served as CEO for six years, had been working with Dunkin's board to find a replacement since early this year. Luther will remain as chairman of the board, a position he assumed in 2006. Dunkin' said the move was part of a succession plan that Luther and the company's board have been developing since early this year.

"In Nigel, Dunkin' Brands has found a leader with a proven track record of delivering extraordinary results," Luther said in a statement. "[His] ability to develop strong franchisee networks, his understanding of the intensely competitive global marketplace, and his innovative, results-oriented style will build on the powerful momentum already in place at our Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands."

Travis, 58, who had been with Papa John's since 2005, is credited with building the pizza company's online business, growing its international presence and spearheading new-product rollouts like Papa's pan pizza, the report said. Prior to Papa John's, he worked for Blockbuster from 1994 to 2004, eventually serving as the company's president. At Blockbuster, Travis helped build an international franchise network in 15 countries and transitioned the company into other forms of entertainment, such as video games.

His international experience will come in handy as Dunkin' expands its global presence. "Nigel's ability to develop strong franchisee networks, his understanding of the intensely competitive global marketplace, and his innovative, results-oriented style will build on the powerful momentum already in place at our Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands," Luther said.

View all Dunkin' Donuts Press Releases

This article has been read 292 times.

Printer Friendly