Meakin will depart from his current role as Shops & Franchise Director at UK coffee and food-to-go chain Pret A Manger to succeed Jamie Dunning at Krispy Kreme UK & Ireland in November 2024
Meakin (pictured) is currently Shops and Franchise Director at Pret A Manger | Photo credit: Pret A Manger
Krispy Kreme UK & Ireland has appointed Pret A Manger Shops & Franchise Director Guy Meakin as its new President, effective November 2024.
The former Marks & Spencer executive succeeds Jamie Dunning, who is stepping down after just over two years in the role.
Krispy Kreme International President Matt Spanjers said Meakin will lead Krispy Kreme UK & Ireland ‘through its next phase of profitable, nationwide expansion’. The US doughnut and coffee chain currently operates 129 UK outlets alongside a growing retail kiosk presence with major supermarkets, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
“We are thrilled to have Guy Meakin join us. He has extensive experience in the quick service restaurant industry and also has strong relationships with many of our customers and partners. We recently launched a new doughnut line-up of fan favourites, best-sellers and some new trending flavours and we look forward to having him lead our amazing brand through its next phase of profitable, nationwide expansion,” Spanjers said.
Meakin joined Pret A Manger in May 2017 as Head of Buying and went on to hold several senior roles, including Head of Commercial and Food & Coffee Director. Meakin served as Pret’s Interim Managing Director for the UK & Ireland from December 2021-May 2023 before assuming his current Shops and Franchise Director role.
“Krispy Kreme is one of the most beloved and well-known sweet treat brands in the world. I’m delighted to be taking over leadership of the UK & Ireland business,” Meakin said.
Krispy Kreme UK & Ireland posted 1% revenue growth last year to reach £119.7m ($157.4m). Both Krispy Kreme and Pret A Manger are owned by Luxembourg-based conglomerate JAB Holding, which also counts JDE Peet’s, Panera Brands, Espresso House and Keurig Dr Pepper among its coffee brand portfolio.