Dunkin' Brands names new executives at both chains

Dunkin' Brands names new executives at both chains
Tags: Coffee/Bakery/Donut, Franchising & Growth, Operations Management
October 6, 2009

Dunkin' Brands has announced new executive hires at its Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins chains.

Dunkin' Donuts has named former Starbucks division senior vice president Paul Twohig as its new brand operating officer. The appointment follows the announcement of Dunkin' Donuts' president and chief brand officer William Kussell's plans to leave the company by year-end. Twohig will report directly to Dunkin' Brands CEO Nigel Travis and will head Dunkin' Donuts operations and serve on Dunkin' Brands' leadership team. Dunkin' Brands previously announced that Travis will take on the role of Dunkin' Donuts president following Kussell's departure.

Twohig brings to Dunkin' Brands an extensive background in all aspects of retail and foodservice operations. At Starbucks, he was responsible for more than 2,100 cafÃ©s across 20 states and helped lead the company's domestic and international growth. Twohig also served as chief operating officer for Panera Bread Co. He began his career at Burger King in high school, eventually becoming a franchisee of several Burger King and Boston Market restaurants and working his way up to the company's management team.

Baskin-Robbins new executives

Baskin-Robbins has announced two key additions to the company's senior management team. Sue Thirlwall joins the company in the newly created position of brand operating officer, and Brad Wahl joins the company in the newly created position of vice president of marketing USA. Each will report directly to Srinivas Kumar, chief brand operating officer for Baskin-Robbins Worldwide.

Thirlwall brings more than 30 years of operations and retail experience. In her new position, she will lead the brand and the franchise operations group to further improve processes, systems and procedures with a focus on providing an outstanding customer experience.

Thirlwall has spent the majority of her career leading and advising franchisees in all areas of the foodservice business. She joins Baskin-Robbins from Yum! Brands, where she served as national director, franchise. She received an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor's degree in business administration from University of Southern California.

Wahl brings an extensive background in building brands and engaging customers for numerous multiunit retail companies. Wahl will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to strengthen the brand and further drive customer loyalty.

Prior to Baskin-Robbins, Wahl served as vice president of marketing for The Krystal Co. and helped lead the transformation of the 75-year-old burger chain. He received a bachelor's degree in marketing from Wichita State University.