Krispy Kreme hires corporate governance expert Atiba Adams to head legal department

A Krispy Kreme store in Macon, Georgia, US | Photo credit: Clayton Malquist

North Carolina-based Krispy Kreme has appointed Atiba Adams as Chief Legal Officer, effective 25 June 2024.  
 

Succeeding Catherine Tang, Adams will report to Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth and join the chain’s Global Leadership Team. 
 

Adams has more than 20 years’ legal experience, specialising in complex litigation and disputes, business transactions and corporate governance. He has worked for several multibillion-dollar businesses, including global confectionery and beverage business Mars, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, and most recently, global eye health organisation Bausch + Lomb, where he has served as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel since January 2022. 
 

“Atiba’s strong, global legal background, public company experience, and expertise in the sweet treat industry make him a great addition to the team. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome him and I look forward to working together in pursuit of a bigger and better Krispy Kreme,” said Charlesworth. 

Atiba joins Krispy Kreme amid a period of global growth. The JAB Holding-backed donut and coffee chain Krispy Kreme grew its total global points of access – retail channels where its products can be purchased – to over 14,100 sites across 39 markets in 2023. Krispy Kreme has also signed licensing deals this year to open stores in Brazil and Germany from 2025. 

However, despite achieving 10% year-on-year revenue growth to reach $1.7bn last year, Krispy Kreme’s losses in the 12 months ending 31 December 2023 significantly widened from $8.8m to $36.6m amid global outlet expansion and increased marketing costs.