CANTON, Mass. — Dunkin' Brands Inc. has announced a realignment of its organizational structure by combining the U.S. and international teams for its Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands. Previously, U.S. and international operations were under separate leadership.
"This new alignment 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, Dunkin' Brands chairman and chief executive officer.
The company named two of its long-time executives to lead each brand.
Will Kussell, 49, was named president and chief brand officer for Dunkin' Donuts Worldwide, the largest brand in terms of sales, units and growth potential for Dunkin' Brands. He formerly was Dunkin' Brands chief operating officer, a position that was eliminated due to the realignment. In his new role, he will have complete responsibility for all domestic and international components of the Dunkin' Donuts brand. Kussell has been with Dunkin' Brands since 1994.
Srinivas Kumar, 45, previously vice president of international (Americas, Canada, Middle East and Europe) for Dunkin' Brands, will assume the position of chief brand officer for Baskin-Robbins Worldwide. Similar to Kussell, he will have complete responsibility for the Baskin-Robbins brand globally. Kumar, a nine-year veteran of Dunkin' Brands, has played a key role in successfully revitalizing and expanding the company's international business, according to a news release.
Robert Rodriguez, president of Dunkin' Donuts U.S., left to pursue other interests.
