Dunkin' Creates Chief Digital and Strategy Officer Position
With continued digital transformation in its crosshairs, Dunkin' Brands Group Inc. , the parent company of Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins, announced that Philip Auerbach will join the company in the newly created role of Chief Digital and Strategy Officer.
Effective August 10, 2020, Auerbach will oversee a new Dunkin' U.S. digital engagement team that includes consumer and business insights, digital marketing, media, and customer care. Auerbach will also lead Dunkin' Brands global strategy and IT. He will report to Dave Hoffmann, Dunkin' Brands CEO.
As key members of the new digital strategy team, Stephanie Meltzer-Paul and Santhosh Kumar have been promoted to Senior Vice President, Dunkin' U.S. Digital Marketing, and Senior Vice President, Global Information Technology, respectively.
"Dunkin' is doubling down on our digital platform and the relationship we have with our guests. Providing a more seamless, best-in-class restaurant experience enabled by technology is a cornerstone of the Dunkin' U.S. Blueprint for Growth strategy. Phil is a transformational leader who has led the evolution of consumer and hospitality brands and will take our growing digital platform to the next level," said Hoffmann. "He will be supported by a top-tier team that includes two leaders who have already played significant roles in our digital innovation."
Auerbach joins Dunkin' Brands from Lindblad Expeditions, a leader in ship-based expedition travel, where he most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer.
Meltzer-Paul joined Dunkin' Brands in April 2018 as Vice President, Digital and Loyalty Marketing.
Kumar began his career with Dunkin' Brands in 2000 and immediately prior to his promotion served as Vice President of IT, Infrastructure, & Information Security & Privacy. In that role, he has been responsible for the overall architecture and design, deployment, physical operation and performance of Dunkin' Brands global IT systems. He is also the head of the Company's worldwide information security and privacy function.