A new year invariably brings in any number of changes to organizations worldwide. Among them this year is Krispy Kreme, Inc., which is currently undergoing a considerable restructuring of its global leadership team. The changes include strategically promoting key individuals from within the organization in a move to maximize profits across the market in the United States. Additionally, Krispy Kreme indicates that this direction indicates a larger expansion of the capital-light international franchise model currently in place. These executives bring with them considerable experience both outside of the organization in previous roles and within the Krispy Kreme company.  

Nicola Steele’s Move from President to Chief Operating Officer

Part of this shake-up includes the transition of Nicola Steele from president of the Australia and New Zealand markets to the incoming chief operating officer. The new role as COO will have her overseeing all global operations effective March 3rd. Steele’s tenure with the organization began in October 2006 as a crew member. She continued advancing within the company, becoming a store manager in 2007. She was promoted to area manager a year later in Melbourne, Australia. Steele continued to advance, accepting the role of operations manager during the first quarter of 2011 and taking on multiple leadership roles within the operations division in the Victoria region. She continued to grow as a leader in the company, becoming CEO of Krispy Kreme’s Australia and New Zealand segments in the autumn of 2023. Nicola Steele’s advancement to chief operating officer will task her with overseeing the modernization of donut production and maximizing the hub-and-spoke efficiency of the organization.

Dave Skena Named Executive Vice President, Chief Growth Officer

Adding to the changes at Krispy Kreme, former executive vice president and global chief brand officer Dave Skena has been named executive vice president and chief growth officer. Prior to serving as executive vice president and global chief brand officer, Skena had worked as the chief marketing officer in the North American market and overall global director of brand for the Krispy Kreme, Inc. organization. Though Skena has a shorter tenure with Krispy Kreme, he brings with him considerable experience from restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday in addition to working with beverage behemoth PepsiCo for nearly eight years. In his new role, Skena will offer his expertise to oversee the omnichannel growth of Krispy Kreme’s retail presence. Additionally, the new EVP will manage global marketing efforts, DFD, and digital sales channels as well.   

Raphael Duvivier’s New Role as President of International

Krispy Kreme continued its organizational changes, naming Raphael Duvivier president of international. Duvivier previously served as the chief financial and strategy officer, international. Before his tenure with Krispy Kreme, he worked as the chief development officer at Burger Brands Belgium, which operates Quick and fast food staple Burger King® in Belgium and Luxembourg. In his new position as president of international, Duvivier will lead both the international and market development segments for Krispy Kreme, Inc.

Krispy Kreme Taps Alison Holder to be Chief Product Officer

Rounding out the changes, Alison Holder is promoted from chief innovation officer to chief product officer for Krispy Kreme. Initially joining the company in 2018 as vice president of retail marketing, Holder has steadily progressed upwards in the organization. Her tenure includes moving from VP of retail marketing to senior director of consumer insight to, more recently, vice president of brand development. In her new role as chief product officer, Holder will bring her experience and insights into bringing innovative and fresh ideas for donuts to consumers.

The Future of Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme reports these changes with optimism. Chief Executive Officer Josh Charlesworth shared his confidence in the decision, indicating that the “leaders all have extensive company experience, commitment to operational excellence, and passion for our iconic fresh donuts and beloved brand.” In further remarks, Charlesworth echoed his surety in the organizational shake-up, stating that as the organization grows, “these leadership changes will result in both a bigger and better Krispy Kreme.”