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Bret Thorn
Dunkin’ Brands, the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, has named Giorgio Minardi president of its international division, the company said Tuesday.
Minardi replaces Neal Yanofsky, who left the company in September, four months being named to the newly created position. Dunkin’ Brands president and chief executive Nigel Travis assumed the duties in the interim.
Minardi’s duties include “strategically expanding the presence of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins outside the United States and … delivering a consistent, but culturally relevant, brand experience” for its customers, the Canton, Mass.-based company said.
Minardi will report directly to Travis.
A foodservice and retail veteran who has held high-level positions at McDonald’s and Burger King, Minardi most recently was managing director for Europe and the Middle East at Autogrill, a food, beverage and retail company, where he was responsible for the company’s operations in 40 countries.
“With an impressive career as an international executive with some of the leading brands in the food-service and retail industry, Giorgio is eminently qualified to help us capitalize on the tremendous global growth opportunities available to Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins," Travis said.
"He has a unique blend of marketing, operational, development and general management experience, as well as on-the-ground experience in Asia Pacific, Europe and the U.S.,” he said.
Minardi also served as Burger King’s division vice president of Northwest Europe, and vice president for the Asia Pacific. Prior to that he spent 16 years at McDonald’s Corp., where his last job was vice president and chief marketing officer for Greater China. He currently serves on the board of directors of Volotea Airlines in Europe.
“I am excited about being a part of the Dunkin' Brands team,” Minardi said. “The company is among the world's largest quick-service restaurant companies and includes two of the most recognized and beloved brands in the industry."
During the first nine months of 2011, Dunkin' Brands opened a net total of about 480 net new locations worldwide. In the third quarter, a net 83 Baskin-Robbins international units were opened.
Although Dunkin’ Donuts has a larger presence in the United States than its sister company, Baskin-Robbins is the larger international brand and accounts for about 15 percent of Dunkin’ Brands’ total revenue, the company said. Dunkin’ Donuts International accounts for about 3 percent of total revenue.
When announcing third-quarter earnings last November, Travis called Baskin-Robbins International “a real jewel in the crown.” He said Dunkin’ Donuts International had more work ahead of it.
Dunkin’ International closed a net 24 units in the third quarter of 2011.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
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