Dunkin' realigns brand leadership

Dunkin' Brands Inc. said Wednesday the company is realigning its organizational structure by combining the U.S. and international teams for its Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands. Previously, U.S. and international operations were under separate leadership. The Canton, Mass.-based company named two of its long-time executives to lead each brand.

Will Kussell was named president chief brand officer for Dunkin' Donuts Worldwide. Kussell was formerly Dunkin' Brands chief operating officer, a position that has been eliminated due to the realignment. In his new role, he will have responsibility for all domestic and international components of the Dunkin' Donuts brand, the company said in a statement.

Robert Rodriguez, president of Dunkin' Donuts U.S., was offered an opportunity to stay with the company, but he chose to leave to pursue other interests, Dunkin' said.

Srinivas Kumar, previously vice president of the company's international division, will become chief brand officer, Baskin-Robbins Worldwide.