Dunkin' Donuts Plans Big Reorganization
Franchisor Creates Position for Multicultural Initiatives, in Midst of Discrimination Allegations
CANTON, Massachusetts (Blue MauMau) - In a SunHerald.Com Article posted yesterday, Dunkin' Brands, Inc., parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, had announced that the company has created a new position of Senior Director, Community Relations & Multicultural Initiatives. Cirabel Lardizabal Olson has been named to that position.
Recently, the franchisor has been accused of engaging in racial discrimination against minority franchisees. One federal lawsuit alleges that Dunkin' has embarked on a campaign of pushing certain franchisees from the system by terminating their franchises, and then reselling them to Caucasian multi-unit operators. Dunkin' Brands has vehemently denied the claims. Some believe that the problems have resulted due to the company's aggressive growth plan to increase its size to more than 15,000 outlets by 2020.
Olson brings to Dunkin' 10 years of leadership experience in the foodservice industry, including a seven-year tenure at Burger King Corp. There she led all global internal and external multicultural, diversity, community relations and government relations efforts for the company's 11,000 restaurants across the U.S. and 65 countries. She was responsible for developing the brand's relationships with prominent organizations such as Rainbow PUSH Coalition, National Urban League, and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
New Structure to Enable Accelerated Global Expansion
This week Dunkin' Brands, Inc. also announced a realignment of its organizational structure by combining the U.S. and international teams of its Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands. Previously, Dunkin's U.S. and international operations were under separate leadership. Chairman/CEO Jon Luther stated in a release, "As part of our new and enhanced focus to build on our past and current success within both Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, we are strengthening alignment across our global brands." Luther said the new alignment will result in a flatter and more streamlined organizational structure, while enhancing their ability to share innovations and best practices around the world.
Two of the company's top executives will head the operations. Will Kussell was named President and Chief Brand Officer for Dunkin' Donuts Worldwide. He was formerly Chief Operating Officer, a position which has now been eliminated. Robert Rodriquez, President of Dunkin' Donuts U.S. was offered an opportunity to stay with the company, but chose to pursue other interests.
Srinivas Kumar, previously the Vice President of International for Dunkin' Brands, will now assume the position of Chief Brand Officer of Baskin-Robbins Worldwide. Similar to Kussell, Kumar will have complete responsibility for his brand globally.
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