Dunkin' Donuts President to Leave
CANTON, Mass. – Dunkin' Brands announced Thursday that William Kussell, president and chief brand officer of subsidiary Dunkin’ Donuts, will leave the firm within the quarter. In an internal email (below) to Dunkin’ franchise owners, the CEO of Dunkin’ Brands, Nigel Travis, wrote that there is no plan to replace the president. Instead, Travis plans to take over in running the day-to-day operations of Dunkin’ Donuts and “most importantly, to work more closely with our franchisees.”
Dunkin’ Donuts over the past years has gained a reputation of having a strained and litigious relationship with its franchisees. In contrast, Mr. Travis has had a reputation of working closely and harmoniously with franchisees in his previous position as CEO of Papa John’s. He joined Dunkin’ Donuts in December of 2008. Private-equity firms Bain Capital, Carlyle Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners acquired the firm from alcohol distiller Pernod Ricard SA for $2.4 billion in 2005.
Dear Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins Franchisees,
After 15 years with Dunkin’ Brands, Will Kussell has decided to leave the company to pursue his goal of leading a business. He has agreed to stay with the company through the end of the year to help us through the transition.
From growing the Dunkin’ Donuts store base, to the brand’s successful focus on coffee and C+1, as well as the emphasis he placed on solid franchisee relationships, Will has made major contributions to the company during his tenure. I am personally grateful to him for his assistance during my first nine months on the job and appreciate all that I have learned from him about the company.
As a result of Will’s departure, I have decided to take a more active role in the day-to-day operations of Dunkin’ Donuts and will not be replacing him. Instead, in addition to my role as CEO, I will serve as head of the Dunkin’ Donuts Management Team and will be supported in this effort by our newly appointed Brand Operations Officer Paul Twohig, as well as the rest of the Dunkin’ Donuts brand leadership team.
This new structure will give me the opportunity to be even more involved in the business and, most importantly, to work more closely with our franchisees. At least on an interim basis, all of Will’s direct reports will report to me.
We will miss Will but understand his desire to pursue broader executive responsibilities. He leaves Dunkin’ Donuts well positioned to grow profitably both in the U.S. and internationally.
Thank you for your continued support.
Nigel Travis
Chief Executive Officer
Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.
Dunkin’ franchise owners were taken by surprise by the announcement.
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