Krispy Kreme, Inc. has significantly changed its global leadership board. The new leadership team will adopt the company’s capital-light international franchise model, and strategic restructuring aims to maximize profitable expansion in US markets. 

The company’s leadership team changes will be promoted from within the company, seeing advancements for several national and regional executives. According to chief executive officer Josh Charlesworth, “These leaders all have extensive company experience commitment to operational excellence and passion for your iconic fresh donuts and beloved brand” and “As we grow, these leadership changes will result in both a bigger and better Krispy Kreme.”

New Global Leadership Positions

The Global Leadership team reports to Charlesworth, who has been director since 2023. The new board took effect on January 6, 2025, except for Nikola Steele, who will assume the role on March 3, 2025. The international leadership team brings decades of executive experience to the board, many at Krispy Kreme. 

The leadership change follows behind low third-quarter earnings, including a 12% decline in US revenue. The donut chain cited consumer softness and the sale of its Insomnia Cookies in July 2024 as major contributors to its decision. Krispy Kreme has highlighted its expanded distribution partnership with McDonald’s, which is predicted to lift fourth-quarter earnings. Krispy Kreme donuts are set to be sold at the burger giant’s 12,000 restaurants by 2026. The pilot program started in 2023 across 160 Kentucky locations. 

Nikola Steele

Nikola Steele has been promoted from president of Krispy Kreme Australia and New Zealand to chief operating officer overseeing global operations. She will also be directing the modernizing donut production and maximizing hub-and-spoke efficiency. 

Steele joined the company in 2006 as a crew member. A year later, she became store manager and area manager in Melbourne, Australia. In 2011, she became operations manager and held several operational positions simultaneously. In 2023, she became CEO for the Australian and New Zealand sectors.

Dave Skena

Krispy Kreme promoted Dave Skena from executive vice president of the global chief brand officer to executive vice president and chief growth officer. Skena will head up the omnichannel growth of the company’s retail shops, Delivered Fresh Daily, and digital sales channels while managing global marketing efforts. 

Previously, Skena was North America’s chief marketing officer and global brand director. His prior experience includes serving as the chief marketing officer at Ruby Tuesday and was with PepsiCo, Inc., for almost eight years. 

Raphael Duvivier

Raphael Duvivier has been promoted from chief development officer to president of international. Duvivier will lead the international and market development segments for Krispy Kreme.

Previously, Duvivier served as chief financial and strategy officer international for the company. He has prior experience as the chief development officer for Burger Brands Belgium. Duvivier is also responsible for the implementation of the capital-light franchise model in areas like Europe and Latin America.

Alison Holder

Alison Holder was promoted from chief innovation officer to chief product officer to bring innovative and fresh ideas to consumers. Her previous Krispy Kreme experience includes serving as vice president of brand development and senior director of consumer insight. She joined Krispy Kreme in 2000 and, in 2018, was promoted to vice president of retail marketing.

About Krispy Kreme

Founded in 1937, Krispy Kreme is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is a leader in the confectionary market. The company operates in 40 countries, establishing a network through its shops and partnerships with major retailers. It has over 13,700 global access points and has penned agreements to open its doors in Germany, Belgium, and Spain in 2025.