Dunkin’ Brands Group, the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, announced Katy Latimer as the company’s new vice president of culinary innovation. With more than 25 years of experience in food science and culinary innovation, Latimer will head Dunkin’ Brands’ culinary team, planning and managing the strategic development of new and enhanced menu choices served to millions of guests at more than 20,000 Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants across the globe. She will report to CMO Tony Weisman.
Latimer joins Dunkin’ Brands after nearly two decades in leadership positions at PepsiCo, most recently as vice president of research and development, global beverage category. In this role, she led a 65-plus-person product development and culinary team, responsible for innovation and portfolio transformation for PepsiCo’s global beverage category, including the food service platform, North American Coffee and Pepsi’s Lipton Tea partnership. She also helped oversee the creation and launch of several new and next generation brand products, including Pepsi’s first premium water, LifeWtr, as well as IZZE Fusions, Stubborn Craft Soda, PureLeaf Tea House Collections, Starbucks Cold Brew, Mtn Dew KickStart, and many more.
Latimer has also held positions at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons and Kraft Foods and served on the board of governors of the Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA). A native of Westchester, New York, Latimer received her B.S. in Biochemistry from McGill University, and her M.S. in biotechnology from Manhattan College. She is currently working towards 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,” says president David Hoffman. “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.”
“I am truly honored to lead Dunkin’ Brands’ talented and creative culinary team,” Latimer says. “Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins both have such a long heritage in serving favorite food and beverages that are an important part of so many people’s lives. I look forward to continuing both brands’ commitment to serving fresh, delicious meals and treats and exploring exciting and innovative ways to enhance our menus with new flavors, ingredients, and choices that will delight millions of guests each and every day.”
