News

Dunkin' hires Arby's exec, promotes 2 in-house leaders

December 18, 2018

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. promoted two executives and appointed a third to leadership posts, a news release said. 

The executive in charge of Dunkin's sports marketing initiatives and strategy, Tom Manchester, was named senior vice president, integrated marketing at Dunkin' U.S. Meantime, U.S. operations team executive, Jonathan Biggs has assumed the position  of vice president of operations, Baskin-Robbins U.S. and Canada. Finally, the company named former Arby's Vice President of restaurant experience, Rick Gestring as vice president, operating systems and restaurant experience, Dunkin'.

In his new role, Manchester will oversee culinary innovation, consumer insights, brand marketing and field marketing. He has been with Dunkin' for 17 years, leading the brand's sports marketing initiatives and sports strategy through storytelling and innovative partnerships. He directed Dunkin's sponsorships of the NHL, NWHL and U.S Women's National Hockey Team, while two marketing campaigns featuring the brand's professional athlete partners earned three Clio Awards for creative excellence. 

Biggs assumes operational responsibility for more than 2,600 Baskin-Robbins stores in the U.S. and Canada. He joined the brand 10 years ago, assuming increasing responsibility on the Dunkin' U.S. Operations team, from opening the Phoenix market to helping roll out Dunkin's next generation restaurant experience. 

Finally, Gestring will lead, manage and support the integration of improved and enhanced restaurant-level execution and guest satisfaction. He will oversee implementation, management and improvement of Dunkin's restaurant management systems, equipment, procedures and tools. Aside from his role at Arby's, Gestring's background also includes leadership positions at Peet's Coffee, Aramark, Starbucks, Don Pablo's and Taco Bell.