Dunkin' CEO Replaced by Papa John's CEO

CANTON, Mass. (Blue MauMau) - Jon Luther, CEO of Dunkin' Brands, will be replaced by Papa John's retiring CEO, Nigel Travis.

While Blue MauMau was this evening confronting Stephen J. Caldeira, Dunkin' Brands chief global communications officer, as to whether CEO Jon Luther was stepping out of his position, the Boston Globe published its report, complete with a statement from Caldeira. Although Caldeira would only confirm to us that Luther was not leaving the company, he refused to verify that he was leaving his position as CEO. He stated through his PR director, "I am not able to share any more information this evening."

But in a statement to the Boston Globe, Caldeira said, "As part of Dunkin’ Brands’ strong corporate governance practices, Chairman and CEO Jon Luther has been working closely with our Board of Directors on succession planning since early 2008. We have no specifics about that plan to announce at this time."

Dunkin' plans to announce that Nigel Travis, who resigned last week as chief executive of Papa John's International Inc., will take over the CEO position, according to three executives that briefed the Globe on the matter. One executive said that Travis, who served at the helm of Papa John's since 2005 and previously headed Blockbuster Inc., will officially take over in January as chief executive of the Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins chains.

In an email to Dunkin' franchise owners that Blue MauMau received late Tuesday night, Luther states, "Due to an unexpected story posted on the Boston Globe website tonight, we are sending you this information a bit earlier than planned." He then adds that since early this Spring, "I have been working closely with our Board of Directors to put in place a succession plan that would ensure the long-term stability and success of our enterprise. After many months of consideration and preparation, I have decided that now is the time to pass the baton to another leader to execute our strategic plans."

An executive at one of the investment companies that owns Dunkin' stated, "We wanted someone with a strong consumer background and someone who has an ability to bring strong managerial experience to bear on a company that continues to have a strong growth trajectory even in this difficult environment."  He said Travis met those two requirements and they were very excited about the opportunity to work with him.

Dunkin' Decides to Issue Announcement

In a press release (pdf) issued following Blue MauMau's inquiries and the Boston Globe article, Luther commented, “In Nigel, Dunkin’ Brands has found a leader with a proven track record of delivering extraordinary results. His wide-ranging achievements in retail and the foodservice industry will strengthen our overall senior leadership team, further enhancing our ability to execute our long-range strategic plans. 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 will remain with Dunkin’ Brands in a full-time capacity as Executive Chairman of the Board, and will work closely with Travis to ensure a smooth transition for the company.

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Related reading:

• Luther Emails Franchisees about New CEO
• Dunkin' Brands Insists No Major Layoffs, Organizational Changes Only
• Travis departure no mystery, Papa John's official says Papa
• Major Layoffs at Dunkin' Donuts as Owner Carlyle Group Downsizes
• Dunkin' Brands Insists No Major Layoffs, Organizational Changes Only