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Shipley Do-nuts names Donna Josephson as CMOShipley Do-nuts names Donna Josephson as CMO

The quick-service restaurant company also names Kerry Leo vice president of technology

Holly Petre, Assistant Digital Editor

July 8, 2021

1 Min Read
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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.

About the Author

Holly Petre

Assistant Digital Editor

Holly Petre is a digital editor for Nation’s Restaurant News as well as the host of NRN’s podcast, Extra Serving, and producer for Informa Restaurant and Food Group’s other three podcasts, One On One by Food Management, Off the Shelf with SN and In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn. Holly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture, fibers and Material Studies and Ceramics from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A native New Yorker, Holly enjoys her place on staff as the resident pop-culture expert and millennial with a sassy attitude and great sense of style.

Holly Petre’s work on Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality often covers marketing and trends, either aimed-at or examined-through the millennial mindset. Holly is responsible for introducing TikTok and Twitch to NRN and RH readers as well as explaining terms like “Karen” to staff and readers alike. She also spends her time on staff trying not to make every headline a pun.

Holly Petre hasn’t spoken at any events or on panels, but she is readily available with a killer shoe wardrobe and several witty quips.

 

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