WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The board of directors of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. has named Anthony N. (Tony) Thompson as president and chief executive officer, effective June 1. Mr. Thompson will succeed James H. Morgan, who will continue to serve the company on a full-time basis as its executive chairman.

Mr. Thompson joins Krispy Kreme from Papa John’s International, Inc., where he most recently was president and chief operating officer since August 2013. At Papa John’s, he previously held the positions of executive vice-president of global operations; executive vice-president of North American operations; senior vice-president of PJ Food Service; and vice-president of QCC operations. Prior to joining Papa John’s in 2006, Mr. Thompson worked for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. for six years and earlier spent four years with ConAgra Grocery Products Co. and seven years in various roles with Gulf Coast Coca Cola.

“All of us in the Krispy Kreme family are excited to have Tony Thompson joining us as our chief executive officer and president,” said Mr. Morgan, who has been c.e.o. since 2008 and president since 2012. “Tony’s background, accomplishments, professionalism and commitment to excellence all are a perfect complement to the culture, mission and values of Krispy Kreme. I am confident that Tony is the ideal leader to guide our company to even greater success in the coming years and, personally, I am greatly looking forward to working with him.”