International Law

Dunkin's new CEO in a Christmas Mood?

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From the Boston Globe, about the new CEO of Dunkin Donuts;

Jim Coen, the acting president of the Dunkin' Donuts Independent Franchise Owners Group, said many of the franchisees were surprised by the appointment and had expected Will Kussell, the president and chief brand officer of Dunkin' Donuts Worldwide, to take the helm after Luther.

But franchisees will welcome a fresh perspective to help shop owners who are struggling with profitability during the economic downturn, increased competition from McDonald's Corp., and growing costs from new sandwich lines and store upgrades, according to Coen.

"I'm hopeful that the new CEO is going to embrace a more collaborative culture of communication with the franchisees," Coen said. "That's one of the areas that [Travis] has done a pretty good job with at Papa John's. And we look forward to that opportunity."

In the beginning of his tenure at Papa John's, Travis said he used to hold "Tea Time with Nigel" and invite franchisees to come and talk with him about their ideas and concerns.

He said he plans to hold similar meetings with Dunkin' franchisees.

This is a good opportunity for the DDIFO Board to learn some modern problem solving methods, based on the work done at the Harvard Negotiation Project. A firm like Mediation Works offers excellent training in collaborative communication and problem solving.

Full post as published by Misleading Advertising Law on December 11, 2008 (boomark / email).