WINSTON-SALEM (PRNewswire) — Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (NYSE: KKD) announced today that Dan Beem will be joining Krispy Kreme as senior vice president of the company and president — international later this month. Beem, 44, will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Morgan, and will be responsible for the company’s international franchise business segment. Beem succeeds Jeff Welch, who has left the company.
Beem has more than 20 years’ experience in the restaurant industry. He most recently served as president of Cold Stone Creamery and Kahala Corp. International, where he directed all international development, operations and franchise development for Kahala’s 14 brands and more than 3,000 stores worldwide, including more than 1,500 Cold Stone Creamery locations in 25 countries. Prior to joining Cold Stone in 2003, he held executive and management positions with Planet Hollywood, T.G.I. Fridays, Gordon Biersch Brewing Company and NASCAR.
“We are truly delighted to have Dan join our team,” said Jim Morgan. “His extensive restaurant experience and superb international track record make him an ideal fit to lead our ongoing international expansion and development efforts. We are also appreciative of Jeff Welch’s many years of service to Krispy Kreme and wish him well.”
Krispy Kreme is a leading branded specialty retailer and wholesaler of premium quality sweet treats and complementary products, including its signature Original Glazed doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, Krispy Kreme shops can be found in more than 800 locations in over 20 countries around the world.