Former McDonald's Executive David Hoffmann Moves to Dunkin' Donuts
September 22 2016 - 12:35AM
Dow Jones News
By Julie Jargon
David Hoffmann, a 22-year McDonald's Corp. veteran, has been
appointed president of Dunkin' Donuts U.S. and Canada after
resigning abruptly from the burger giant last week.
Mr. Hoffmann, who oversaw McDonald's high-growth markets
division, is the latest high-ranking executive to depart the
fast-food chain in recent months. Mr. Hoffmann ran McDonald's
Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa business until he was
appointed in July 2015 to head the high-growth markets division
that includes China, Russia and South Korea. His expanded role in
the company was part of a corporate reshuffling that Chief
Executive Steve Easterbrook sought to drive growth at the
struggling chain.
McDonald's on Wednesday disclosed in a regulatory filing that
Mr. Hoffmann, 48 years old, had resigned Friday and that he hadn't
signed a noncompete agreement, thus forfeiting certain benefits
such as unvested cash and equity incentive awards.
McDonald's Chief Administrative Officer Pete Bensen announced
his retirement last month, followed by McDonald's U.S. President
Mike Andres, who will remain at the company until the end of the
year.
The executive departures come at a time when McDonald's is
trying to fashion itself into a "modern, progressive burger
company." The chain has struggled in recent years to win back
millennials and other customers who have flocked to other
restaurants promising fresher, healthier food.
The company had made some progress recently with its all-day
breakfast offerings, but its sales growth slowed significantly in
its key U.S. market in the second quarter. In the U.S., same-store
sales rose 1.8%, far below the 3.2% growth expected by
analysts.
Mr. Hoffmann will begin his new job at Dunkin on Oct. 3 and will
report to Dunkin' Brands Group Inc. Chief Executive Nigel Travis.
He will be responsible for Dunkin' Donuts operations and marketing
in the U.S. and Canada, as well as global franchising and store
development for both Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins.
Like many McDonald's veterans, Mr. Hoffmann began his career
there as a crew member while in high school. He rejoined the
company after earning an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
"Dave is a proven leader with a wealth of quick service
restaurant and franchising experience, and a solid track record of
delivering growth in a wide range of economic and competitive
environments," Mr. Travis said in a statement.
At McDonald's, Mr. Hoffmann will be succeeded by Joseph
Erlinger, who currently serves as chief financial officer of the
high-growth markets division.
Write to Julie Jargon at julie.jargon@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 22, 2016 00:20 ET (04:20 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2016 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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