Kat Cole

Chief Executive Officer

2024 - Current

President, COO, Board of Directors

2021 - 2024

Board Member

2020

Board Member

2019

Board Member

2020 - 2024

COO and President

2017 - 2021

Lead the company’s mulit-billion dollar businesses of seven brands and all operating divisions, including franchising, company operations, licensing and international divisions, building revenues and profits through global licensing, manufacturing, and e-commerce. Presidents of Jamba, Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill, Carvel, Shlotzsky's, Focus Brands International and Focus Brands Global Channels are my direct reports. I sit on Focus Brands Executive Committee with the CEO, CFO and other ELT members driving strategy, investment and resource allocation and overall direction of the parent company as well as representing operations in strategy, diligence and integration for acquisitions. Represent brands and business to the Board of Directors and Private Equity Sponsors. Led 2 major company restructuring efforts to leverage scale and prepare for next chapter of growth: (2015 and 2020) moving to a matrix structure, center of excellence, and brand team structures to position the company for acquisitions and accelerated multi-channel expansion.

COO and President

2010 - 2021

Group President

2015 - 2017

President of FOCUS Brands' Global, Multi Channel division. Build and lead the team, organization, strategy and results that grow all 6 brands at FOCUS Brands, Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, Moe's, Schlotzsky's, McAllister's, Carvel through global, multichannel retail growth. Grow sales and profits through licensing, manufacturing, ecommerce and all global non-franchise retail channels.

President, Cinnabon, Inc.

2010 - 2015

President of Cinnabon, Inc. a global franchise and multi-channel retail brand and business operating in 68 countries with over $1Billion in global, multi-channel branded product sales. Build and lead the team, organization, brand and complete business. Delivered record financial results, franchisee satisfaction, brand awareness and business model diversity. Developed many leaders who went on to lead within and outside the organization, full brand and business turnaround. Helped build new operating model at FOCUS Brands, Inc. and moved on to take larger, strategic role leading global multi-channel growth for all of FOCUS (all 6 brands).

Young Global Leader (YGL)

2014 - 2020

Community of next generation leaders collaborating, learning and impacting global challenges by engaging in initiatives and actions that drive understanding, solutions and advancement of global, regional and industry goals.

Global Entrepreneurs Council

2016 - 2018

Strategic advisory council bringing together highly successful, high profile entrepreneurs and thought leaders who are committed to finding innovative solutions to global problems. Helping the UN and UN Foundation reach new audiences and enhance public-private partnerships.

Board of Directors

2009 - 2017

Vice President

1995 - 2010

Partner with Operations Leadership to achieve Organizational Goals Operational l Leadership, Training, Development Report to and support CEO Lead Training and Development Department & Initiatives Integrate Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Accountability into Culture of Organizational Learning Culture and Concept Integration: New International Franchisees Internal Communications: Training and Development of Company Initiatives Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Industry Relations and Government Affairs

GRA PAC Board - President

2009 - 2010

Lead the Political Action Committee along with Greg Hawkins of Arby's/Wendy's - great opportunity to support state government and ensure Georgia's Restaurant Industry is heard on its key issues.