Krispy Kreme nominates former Kraft Heinz CEO, Starbucks CFO to board amid strategic overhaul

USA – Krispy Kreme Inc. has announced the nomination of four new directors to its board, including Bernardo Hees, former CEO of Kraft Heinz and Burger King, and Patrick Grismer, former CFO of Starbucks, Hyatt Hotels, and YUM! Brands.

Bernardo Hees is expected to chair a newly formed Strategy and Operating Committee.

The company noted that Hees brings substantial experience in steering global consumer businesses through periods of transformative growth.

Patrick Grismer, a veteran with over 35 years of experience in finance leadership roles, has been nominated to serve on the Audit and Finance Committee.

Additional nominees include Easwaran Sundaram, formerly Chief Digital and Technology Officer at JetBlue, and Gordon von Bretten, a senior partner at JAB Holding Co., Krispy Kreme’s parent company.

These nominations will be subject to shareholder approval at the company’s annual meeting scheduled for June 17, 2025.

According to Hees, the Krispy Kreme brand holds a special place globally, and he expressed his commitment to collaborating with CEO Josh Charlesworth, the management team, and fellow directors to pursue operational efficiencies, refranchising, and disciplined international expansion aimed at creating sustainable shareholder value.

Charlesworth commented that bringing Hees onto the board at this stage would provide significant strategic support as the company looks to capitalize on two key growth areas: profitable U.S. expansion and international development via capital-light models.

He noted that the establishment of the Strategy and Operating Committee would further enable the management team to execute their vision for operational and financial progress.

In parallel with these corporate developments, Krispy Kreme has launched its spring 2025 product lineup.

The limited-edition “Hoppy Easter” collection includes three new bunny-themed doughnuts and a returning seasonal favourite.

Available in participating stores, the range is packaged in a festive Easter-themed dozens box.

The Bunny Basket Doughnut features chocolate icing, chocolate-flavoured buttercream, and a bunny-shaped confectionery topping.

The Marshmallow Bunny Doughnut, which is unglazed and filled with Kreme, comes with pastel yellow icing and a bunny face made of confectionery.

The Bouncing Bunny Doughnut is dipped in pastel blue icing and decorated with sprinkles and a bunny motif. Rounding out the collection is the Strawberry Iced Doughnut with Sprinkles.

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