CANTON, MASS. — Giorgio Minardi has joined Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. as president of Dunkin' Brands International. In this role, Mr. Minardi will be responsible for strategically expanding the presence of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins outside the United States and for delivering a consistent, but culturally relevant, brand experience for the company's international customers.

A food service and retail industry executive, Mr. Minardi has held development and brand management positions at international food service and retail companies, including McDonald’s, Burger King Corp. and Autogrill Corp., a food, beverage and retail company. Most recently, he was managing director, Europe and the Middle East, for Autogrill. He also was Autogrill’s chairman in Spain and Belgium, and president in Switzerland.

Prior to his time at Autogrill, Mr. Minardi was with Burger King, first as vice-president of Asia Pacific, and later as division vice-president of Northwest Europe. He also spent 16 years with McDonald’s, initially serving as vice-president of marketing in Asia Pacific, and ultimately as vice-president and chief marketing officer for Greater China.

“With an impressive career as an international executive with some of the leading brands in the food service and retail industry, Giorgio is eminently qualified to help us capitalize on the tremendous global growth opportunities available to Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins,” said Nigel Travis, chief executive officer of Dunkin’ Brands and president of Dunkin’ Donuts. “He has a unique blend of marketing, operational, development and general management experience, as well as on-the-ground experience in Asia Pacific, Europe and the U.S. Combine all of that with his passion for the food service industry, and we believe he will enable us to enhance our support of our international franchisees and drive profitable growth in new and existing markets.”