CANTON Mass. Dunkin' Brands Inc. said today that former Papa John's chief Nigel Travis would become chief executive Jan. 6, succeeding Jon Luther, who will remain executive chairman.
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, most recently was president and chief executive of Papa John's International Inc., which he joined in 2005. The pizza company announced his resignation last week and said founder John Schnatter would replace him on an interim basis.
Before Papa John's, Travis held various leadership roles at video rental company Blockbuster Inc. His experience also includes time at Burger King, where he served as senior vice president of human resources and, later, managing director for the burger chain's operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Luther, 65, has served as chief executive of Dunkin' Brands since 2003 and was named chairman in 2006. Dunkin' said he would remain chairman full time and work with Travis during the leadership transition.
Dunkin' Brands, a privately held company, franchises 7,988 Dunkin' Donuts units and 5,874 Baskin-Robbins ice cream shops.
