New CEO for UK-based Crosstown five months Karali Group sale

Jo Blundell previously held senior roles at McDonald’s, Burger King and Papa Johns | Photo credit: Crosstown

London-based premium doughnut, specialty coffee and ice cream chain Crosstown has appointed former Papa Johns executive Jo Blundell as its new CEO. 
 

Blundell brings a wide range of food & beverage industry experience to the 12-store chain. After senior marketing roles at fast-food chains McDonald’s and Burger King, Blundell served as Chief Marketing Officer at Belgian bakery-café chain Le Pain Quotidien from 2018-2020 before taking up a Vice President of Marketing position and later as Managing Director at US pizza chain Papa Johns.  
 

“Jo brings a proven track record in driving growth and innovation. Under her leadership, Crosstown is poised for its next chapter of expansion, innovation, and customer delight. Jo will focus on strengthening our brand, enhancing our product range, and ensuring every customer experience reflects Crosstown’s artisanal quality and creativity. We can’t wait to see Jo’s vision come to life as we continue to grow as a leader in the premium treats market,” Crosstown said in a LinkedIn post. 

Blundell succeeds Howard Ebison as CEO with her appointment coming five months after Crosstown was acquired by hospitality and real estate firm Karali Group.  

The acquisition saw Crosstown founders Adam Wills and JP Then step away from the business. Ebison left Crosstown in September 2024 to take up a Divisional Director role at Merlin Entertainments. 

Alongside 12 bricks-and-mortar outlets in London, Cambridge and Oxford, Crosstown also operates a network of market stalls and mobile carts across the UK, including outside the high-footfall London Bridge and Kings Cross rail stations. The chain serves coffee from London-based specialty roaster Caravan.