DUNKIN BRANDS, INC.: has realigned its organizational structure combining the U.S. and international teams for its Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands. Previously, each division operated under separate leadership. Heading up the effort is Will Kussell, 49, who was named president and chief brand officer for Dunkin' Donuts Worldwide. In his new role, Kussell, formerly Dunkin' Brands chief operating officer, will oversee domestic and international components of the Dunkin’ Donuts brand. In addition, Srinivas Kumar, 45, now takes over as chief brand officer for Baskin-Robbins Worldwide. He previously worked as vice Ppesident of international (Americas, Canada, Middle East & Europe) for Dunkin' Brands. Kumar will be responsible for the Baskin-Robbins brand globally.
ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH: is launching a chain of lingerie stores called Gilly Hicks. The first outlet is slated to open in Natick, MA this year. Other locations include Lake Grove, NY, Auora, IL, Bloomington, MN and Farmington, CT. An age-restricted promotional video on the brand’s Web site features images of topless women modeling underwear. Visitors must be at least 18 to view the content.
BECKER GROUP: an experiential marketing company, was acquired by Phoenix, Arizona-based Viad Corp. Viad provides experiential marketing services to exhibition and event organizers and exhibitors worldwide, as well as travel and recreation services in the U.S. and Canada.
