Dunkin’ Donuts President Paul Twohig to Retire

The Canton-based company added 30% more U.S. stores during his seven-year tenure.

Dunkin Donuts president Paul Twohig

Dunkin Donuts president Paul Twohig will retire in 2017. / Photo provided by Dunkin’ Brands

The president of Dunkin’ Donuts plans to retire in 2017, and the Canton-based company just announced a search for his replacement, in case you ever wanted to be the ruler of the free world of doughnuts.

Paul Twohig has overseen Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. and Canada operations since 2009, and he’s also in charge of global franchising and development for Dunkin’ Brands, which also includes Baskin-Robbins. Dunkin’ Brands is one of the world’s largest franchisors, with distribution in more than 60 counties.

Twohig, 62, will remain in his current role until the company names his successor, and he plans to fully retire after the first quarter next year, according to a press release. The outgoing president leaves a positive legacy, Dunkin’ Brands CEO Nigel Travis said in a statement.

“He has led the efforts of the Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. team to drive strong franchisee profitability and same-store sales, to deliver an outstanding restaurant experience, and to develop our restaurant footprint across the country. During Paul’s tenure, we have increased our domestic Dunkin’ Donuts store count by more than 30 percent, adding more than 2,000 net new restaurants across the country,” Travis said. Twohig also hired well. “Paul has consistently focused on people development, and as a result, we have strong…teams in place ready to take our brands to new levels of success.”

Dunkin’ Brands also announced the promotion of two other executives. Chris Fuqua, 41, is now senior vice president of Dunkin’ Donuts Brand marketing, global consumer insights and product innovation, and Scott Hudler, 43, is chief digital officer. The company is looking at internal and external candidates to fill Twohig’s shoes.