Dunkin’ president steps down; CEO will run daily operations
Chain promises sharper stores
Dunkin’ Donuts president and chief brand officer, William Kussell, stepped down yesterday and the company said Dunkin Brands chief executive Nigel Travis will take over the Canton-based chain’s day-to-day operations.
Kussell, president of the company since 1996 and a key player in helping Dunkin’ intensify its focus on coffee, will stay on as a consultant through the end of the year. He has not detailed his plans for the future.
Travis said he wants Dunkin’ Donuts to be more responsive to changing consumer trends and increased competition.
“You can expect to see us sharpen our stores and be more competitive in terms of price, product, and advertising,’’ Travis said. “We need to be very fast on our feet and use every weapon that we can.’’
Travis said he is also looking to gain a better understanding of what franchisees need in the field to compete better and improve service to customers.
“Hopefully, we can take relationships with franchisees to a higher level. That’s one of my biggest goals,’’ he said.
Dunkin’ has come under criticism in recent weeks over accusations it aggressively targets shop owners in a calculated effort to terminate store agreements and collect hefty penalties for alleged contract violations.
“This has not been an easy decision for me to make, given my passion for the Dunkin’ Donuts brand, but it is the right decision for me as I look to the next stage of my career,’’ Kussell said in a prepared statement. “I am very proud of all we were able to achieve together with our franchisees during my time here.
“Fifteen years ago, the Dunkin’ Donuts brand was prominent primarily in the northeastern part of the United States, and now it is a brand identified with quality and convenience in new cities and countries around the world.’’
Jenn Abelson can be reached at abelson@globe.com. 
