Dunkin’ Donuts announced that president and chief brand officer William Kussell will leave the company at the end of the year.

With Kussell’s departure, Dunkin’ Brands CEO Nigel Travis will also assume the role of Dunkin’ Donuts president.

“In the 15 years since Will joined Dunkin’ Donuts, the company has grown from a regional donut chain with about 3,000 stores into the number one coffee and baked goods brand worldwide with more than 8,800 stores in 31 countries,” says Nigel Travis, Dunkin’ Brands CEO.

“Among many achievements, Will has played a pivotal role in leading the transformation of Dunkin’ Donuts and the repositioning of the brand through its acclaimed advertising campaign, ‘America Runs on Dunkin®.’ We would like to thank Will for his many valuable contributions during his tenure with Dunkin’ Donuts, and we wish him well in his pursuit of broader executive responsibilities.”

“I am pleased I could stay here to assist Nigel during his first year as Dunkin’ Brands CEO, but it is now time for me to pursue my goal of leading a business,” Kussell says.

“This has not been an easy decision for me to make given my passion for the Dunkin’ Donuts brand, but it is the right decision for me as I look to the next stage of my career. I am very proud of all we were able to achieve together with our franchisees during my time here. Fifteen years ago, the Dunkin’ Donuts brand was prominent primarily in the northeastern part of the United States, and now it is a brand identified with quality and convenience in new cities and countries around the world. I am confident I am leaving Dunkin’ Donuts well positioned for the future.”

Since joining Dunkin’ Donuts in 1994 as senior vice president of marketing and purchasing, Kussell has held many senior level positions. He was promoted to president in 1996 and subsequently served as the retail concept officer and chief operating officer for Dunkin’ Brands, where he was responsible for the marketing, operations, franchising, development, supply chain and strategic planning for Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins, and Togo’s worldwide.

He was appointed president and chief brand officer of Dunkin’ Donuts worldwide in January 2008.