Krispy Kreme reveals updates to global leadership team

GLOBAL – Multinational coffeehouse and doughnut chain Krispy Kreme has revealed changes to its global leadership team, which is meant to enhance the company’s growth and expand franchising activities.

Nicola Steele has been named the new chief operating officer (COO) and will focus on modernizing doughnut production and enhancing hub-and-spoke efficiency.

With over 15 years at the company, Steele currently serves as president of Krispy Kreme Australia & New Zealand.

Dave Skena has been appointed chief growth officer, where he will lead omni-channel growth across retail outlets, direct-to-consumer (DFD), and digital sales platforms worldwide.

Skena will also manage global marketing efforts to boost consumer engagement with Krispy Kreme’s fresh doughnuts.

Raphael Duvivier will serve as president of International, overseeing the company’s expansion through its capital-light franchise model, particularly in Europe and Latin America.

Alison Holder has been named chief product officer and will introduce innovative doughnut products to customers globally while maintaining quality and sourcing standards.

All newly appointed executives will report directly to CEO Josh Charlesworth.

These leadership changes took effect on 6 January 2025, except for Steele, who will begin her new role on 3 March 2025.

Charlesworth highlighted the leaders’ extensive experience, operational focus, and dedication to the brand, stating that these changes will contribute to the company’s growth and improvement.

In January 2025, Krispy Kreme also partnered with Pop-Tarts to release the Krispy Kreme × Pop-Tarts Crazy Good Doughnuts Collection.

This limited-edition range features three flavors: Frosted Strawberry Doughnut, Frosted Chocolatey Fudge Doughnut, and Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Doughnut, combining Pop-Tarts flavors with Krispy Kreme’s signature doughnuts.

The Frosted Strawberry Doughnut includes an unglazed shell filled with strawberry and topped with decorations, including a Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts Bites piece.

The Frosted Chocolatey Fudge Doughnut consists of an Original Glazed Doughnut dipped in chocolate icing, finished with brownie batter-flavored buttercream and crushed Pop-Tarts Bites.

The Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Doughnut features a cinnamon sugar doughnut with cream cheese-flavored buttercream and a Frosted Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tarts Bites piece.

Available from 6 January for a limited time, these doughnuts can be purchased at participating Krispy Kreme stores across the US.

Customers can order in-store, through the app or website for pickup or delivery, and select retailers offer a six-pack box of the special doughnuts.

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