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Krispy Kreme promotes four new executives in global leadership shakeupKrispy Kreme promotes four new executives in global leadership shakeup

Nicola Steele was elevated to chief operating officer, and Dave Skena has been named chief growth officer

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

January 9, 2025

2 Min Read
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Krispy Kreme shakes up its executive board as company focuses on expansion.Krispy Kreme

Joanna Fantozzi

Krispy Kreme announced Thursday four new global leadership changes to the JAB Holding-owned company, including a new chief operating officer and chief growth officer. All of the executive leadership changes are internal promotions, as the company looks to maximize U.S. expansion through its capital-light franchise model.

“These leaders all have extensive company experience, commitment to operational excellence and passion for our iconic fresh doughnuts and beloved brand,” Josh Charlesworth, Krispy Kreme CEO, said in a statement. “As we grow, these leadership changes will result in both a bigger and better Krispy Kreme.”

The promotions include:

  • Nicola Steele was promoted from president of Krispy Kreme Australia & New Zealand to COO after nearly 20 years with the company. Steele first joined Krispy Kreme as a crew member for a summer job during her time at universityand has risen through the ranks to lead the Krispy Kreme team in Australia and New Zealand, a position that she has held since September 2023. In her new role, she will be responsible for global operations, including modernizing doughnut production and maximizing hub-and-spoke efficiency.

  • Dave Skena was promoted from executive vice president, global chief brand officer, to chief growth officer after seven years with the company. Before Krispy Kreme, he was chief marketing officer for Ruby Tuesday’s and also held leadership positions at PepsiCo and Kraft Foods. In his new role, he is responsible for omnichannel growth of retail shops, what is DFD? and digital sales channels worldwide as well as managing global marketing campaigns.

  • Raphael Duvivier has been promoted from chief development officer of Krispy Kreme to president of international after six years with the company. In his new role, he is responsible for international and market development segments, ensuring the wider adoption of the capital-light franchise model, including in European and Latin American markets.

  • Alison Holder has been promoted from vice president of innovation and insights to chief product officer of Krispy Kreme after more than six years with the company. In her new role, she oversees global quality and sourcing of doughnuts.

Related:Krispy Kreme teams up with Pop-Tarts to launch 3 new donuts

With the exception of Steele, who will begin in her new role in March, each of these leadership changes were effective Jan. 6.

Contact Joanna at [email protected]

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About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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