Shipley Do-nuts named Donna Josephson chief marketing officer the company announced Wednesday. Additionally, the quick-service company appointed Kerry Leo to the position of vice president of technology.
“With the addition of Donna and Kerry, we’ve built an exceptionally well-rounded senior executive team that brings decades of valuable restaurant industry experience,” said Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Clifton Rutledge in a statement. “Their talents and expertise will help propel our iconic 85-year-old brand into a new era of growth and enhanced customer experience.”
Rutledge was promoted from executive chairman to the role of CEO in May and at that time Hank Simpson was named chief operations officer. Josephson will report directly to Rutledge in this new role.
Josephson has previously held the CMO title at Corner Bakery, Fazoli’s and McAlister’s Deli. She also brings experience from Wendy’s International, Applebee’s International and Chick-fil-A to the growing Houston-based brand.
“Shipley Do-Nuts is beloved in Houston and beyond as a brand that’s been rooted in its communities for generations,” said Josephson in a statement. “The opportunity to help define and grow the Shipley brand as it enters its next 85 years is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Leo joins Shipley Do-nuts from Church’s Chicken where he served as senior director of technology. Prior to that, he served as director, retail technology at Focus Brands and held roles at Chick-fil-A.
“Shipley Do-Nuts has always been dedicated to bringing the best experience to customers, franchisees and employees,” said Leo. “I’m looking forward to implementing systemwide updates to further our commitment to excellence and accelerate our growth.”
Shipley Do-nuts currently has over 300 units nationwide.
