Krispy Kreme has announced a reshuffle of its board of directors, with a new slate of nominees to guide the company through its ongoing transformation.

The refreshed board aims to provide a partnership for the management team as they continue to grow and improve the doughnut company.

The nominees, including industry veterans, will be presented for shareholder voting at Krispy Kreme's annual meeting on 17 June 2025.

The director nominees bring a wealth of experience from various sectors.

Bernardo Hees, a former CEO of Kraft Heinz and Burger King Worldwide, as well as executive chairman at Avis Budget Group, is expected to chair the newly formed strategy and operating committee.

Hees said: “Krispy Kreme is one of the world’s most iconic and beloved brands. I look forward to working with Josh, the management team, and fellow directors to drive disciplined global expansion, refranchising efforts, and operational efficiency that results in sustainable value creation.”

Patrick Grismer, the former CFO of Starbucks and current audit chair for Panera Brands, is slated to join the audit and finance committee.

Easwaran Sundaram, with his background as the former chief digital and technology officer at JetBlue; and Gordon von Bretten, a current senior partner at JAB Holding Company, complete the list of proposed board members.

Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth said:  ​“Welcoming Bernardo to our board at a pivotal time for Krispy Kreme will be invaluable as we seek to maximise shareholder value through our two largest growth opportunities: profitable US expansion and capital-light international growth. 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.”

Krispy Kreme shareholders will cast their votes on these nominees for a nine-member board.

Following the annual meeting, the company anticipates the formation of the strategy and operating committee under Hees' leadership.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme operates in 40 countries via its network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers, and digital business with more than 17,500 fresh points of access.

Earlier this month, Krispy Kreme launched a new range of doughnuts for spring 2025 named the Hoppy Easter.