CANTON, MASS. — Katy Latimer has been named vice-president, culinary innovation at Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc., parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins. In her new role, she will lead the company’s culinary team, planning and managing menu development at more than 20,000 Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants globally. She will report to Tony Weisman, chief marketing officer, Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.
Ms. Latimer brings more than 25 years of food service experience to the role, having most recently served as vice-president of research and development for the global beverage category at PepsiCo, Inc. There, she led the product development and culinary team with responsibility for innovation and portfolio transformation for the company’s global beverage category, including the food service platform, North American coffee and Pepsi’s Lipton Tea partnership. Under her leadership, PepsiCo launched its first premium water, Lifewtr, as well as a number of on-trend beverages such as Izze Fusions, Stubborn Craft Soda, PureLeaf Tea House Collections, Starbucks Cold Brew and Mtn Dew Kickstart.
Prior to PepsiCo, Ms. Latimer held positions at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons and Kraft Foods and has served on the board of governors of the Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association. She has a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry from McGill University and a master of science degree in biotechnology from Manhattan College. She is currently working toward a Ph.D. in food science.
“Both Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins are distinguished for providing guests with a wide range of menu choices, and we are constantly exploring new and unique options for our loyal guests,” said David Hoffman, president of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. “We are thrilled that Katy, a proven product developer and innovation leader who has worked with some of the country’s top food and beverage companies, will head our world-class culinary team and drive our strategic menu innovation that differentiates our brands and supports our continued growth throughout the world.”
