CHARLOTTE, NC — Krispy Kreme is entering a new era with a slate of nominees for its board of directors.
The shortlist includes Bernardo Hees, a former CEO of Kraft Heinz Co.; Patrick Grismer, former CFO of Starbucks, Hyatt Hotels and Yum! Brands; Easwaran Sundaram, former digital and technology officer at JetBlue and founder of JetBlue Technology Ventures; and Gordon von Bretten, senior partner at JAB Holding Co.
If elected, Hees will head the soon-to-be-formed Strategy and Operating Committee, which will support Krispy Kreme’s strategy and profitable growth opportunities.
“Welcoming Bernardo to our board at a pivotal time for Krispy Kreme will be invaluable as we seek to maximize shareholder value through our two largest growth opportunities: profitable US expansion and capital-light international growth,” said Josh Charlesworth, CEO of Krispy Kreme. “Establishing a Strategy and Operating Committee that leverages Bernardo’s experience will support me and my team as we strive to drive operational and financial success.”
Five current board members — Charlesworth; Marissa Andrada, former chief diversity, inclusion and people officer of Chipotle; Patricia Capel, partner at JAB; David Deno, former Bloomin’ Brands CEO; and Gerhard Pleuhs, former EVP and general counsel for Mondelez International — will be up for reelection.
The new nominees replace five directors who were not nominated for reelection.
“On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank our outgoing directors for their guidance and partnership,” Charlesworth said. “Their counsel was critical as we evolved our model, expanded globally, and delivered consistent organic growth.”
Shareholders will vote on the four board nominees during the company’s annual meeting in June.
