CANTON Mass. Will Kussell has been named president and chief brand officer of Dunkin’ Donuts and Srinivas Kumar has been appointed chief brand officer of Baskin-Robbins in a realignment of the brands’ parent company, Dunkin’ Brands Inc.
Under the restructuring, separate U.S. and international management teams were combined into worldwide oversight structures for each of the brands.
As part of the streamlining, Robert Rodriguez is leaving the company. Rodriguez, who had been president of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., was offered an opportunity to stay with Dunkin’ Brands but “chose to leave to pursue other interests,” the parent company said in announcing the change.
“This new structure will result in a flatter and more streamlined organizational structure, while enhancing our ability to share innovations and best practices around the world,” said Jon Luther, who remains Dunkin’ Brands’ chairman and chief executive.
ADunkin' Brands spokesman said no jobs were eliminated as a result of the reorganization. The company specified that the post formerly held by Kussell, chief operating officer of Dunkin’ Brands, was discontinued.
Kussell, 49, joined the company in 1994. “He will continue to report to me and also remain a member of the Dunkin’ Brands board of directors,” Luther said.
Kumar, 45, also reports directly to Luther. He was previously vice president of international for Dunkin’ Brands. He joined the company nine years ago.
Dunkin’ Brands franchises more than 13,000 restaurants worldwide under its two brand names.
