Krispy Kreme UK appoints Jamie Dunning as President and MD

Krispy Kreme currently operates 130 brick-and-mortar stores in the UK | Photo credit: The Creative Exchange 

Krispy Kreme UK has appointed Jamie Dunning as its new President and Managing Director for the UK and Ireland. 
 

The former Mars Retail Group Managing Director replaces Richard Cheshire, who recently announced his decision to step down after working in leadership roles for Krispy Kreme UK for 20 years. 

Krispy Kreme said that Dunning will be responsible maintaining the strong growth it has achieved in the UK in the last five years, with a focus on delivery and drive-through outlets. 

Despite reporting a 24% fall in revenue in 2020, with store closures during the pandemic leading to a pre-tax loss of £3.5m ($4.1m), Krispy Kreme continued its UK expansion plans and has since added circa 20 stores to reach 133 outlets today. 

Alongside its brick-and-mortar stores, Krispy Kreme has a strong retail presence in over 1,500 UK supermarkets and fuel stations, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Road Chef and Welcome Break. 

“I will focus on continuing Krispy Kreme's signature hub and spoke model through expansions into online delivery, drive-throughs and brick-and-mortar stores, but also cementing the relationship the company has with consumers as one of the countries' most-loved sweet treat brands that sparks joy and enhances shared moments," said Dunning. 

In June 2022 Krispy Kreme promoted Josh Charlesworth to the role of Global President, where he is charged with overseeing the expansion of the company’s global footprint. 

Charlesworth said he was ‘excited to see the fresh perspective and wealth of knowledge’ that Dunning would bring as the company enters a ‘new phase of our presence in one of our most valued markets’. 

Krispy Kreme operates around 1,400 outlets in over 30 countries. It entered the UK market in 2003, a year after fellow US donut and coffee chain Dunkin’ Donuts closed its 10 UK stores after failing to gain a foothold in the UK market. Dunkin’ has since re-entered the UK market and currently operates 25 stores. 

In December 2021, JAB Holdings increased its stake in Krispy Kreme to nearly 45%, which it took public in 2021 after five years of private ownership.