WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Dan Beem has been named senior vice-president of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. and president of International, effective later this month.  Mr. Beem will be responsible for the company’s international franchise business segment. He succeeds Jeff Welch, who has left the company.

Mr. Beem has more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry.  He most recently was president of Cold Stone Creamery and Kahala Corp. International, where he directed all international development, operations and franchise development for Kahala's 14 brands and over 3,000 stores worldwide, including over 1,500 Cold Stone Creamery locations in 25 countries.  Prior to joining Cold Stone in 2003, he held executive and management positions with Planet Hollywood, T.G.I. Fridays, Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. and NASCAR.

“We are truly delighted to have Dan join our team,” said Jim Morgan, president and chief executive officer. “His extensive restaurant experience and superb international track record make him an ideal fit to lead our ongoing international expansion and development efforts. We are also appreciative of Jeff Welch’s many years of service to Krispy Kreme and wish him well.”