Dunkin’ Brands doubles down on digital with new strategy team
Dunkin’ is beefing up its digital capabilities with a new position and promotions.
Dunkin' Brands Group, the parent company of Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins, announced that Philip Auerbach will join the company in the newly created role of chief digital and strategy officer, effective August 10. Auerbach will oversee a new Dunkin' U.S. digital engagement team that includes consumer and business insights, digital marketing, media, and customer care. He will also lead Dunkin' Brands global strategy and information technology.
Auerbach joins Dunkin' Brands from Lindblad Expeditions, a global leader in ship-based expedition travel, where he most recently served as chief commercial officer. Prior to Lindblad, Auerbach was senior VP and regional chief marketing officer for Las Vegas at Caesars Entertainment, the world's largest casino entertainment company.
Auerbach spent nearly 15 years in management consulting, including at McKinsey & Company, where he was a partner in the firm's sales & marketing practice and co-founded the firm's loyalty service with a focus on companies in the hospitality and retail financial services spaces.
In related news, as key members of the new digital strategy team, Stephanie Meltzer-Paul and Santhosh Kumar have been promoted to senior VP, Dunkin' U.S. digital marketing, and Senior VP, global information technology, respectively.
“Providing a more seamless, best-in-class restaurant experience enabled by technology is a cornerstone of the Dunkin' U.S. blueprint for growth strategy,” said Dave Hoffman, CEO, Dunkin’ Brands. “Phil is a transformational leader who has led the evolution of consumer and hospitality brands and will take our growing digital platform to the next level. He will be supported by a top-tier team that includes two leaders who have already played significant roles in our digital innovation.”
Meltzer-Paul joined Dunkin' Brands in April 2018 as VP, digital and loyalty marketing. Prior to Dunkin', she had 20 years of experience in customer loyalty and digital marketing with companies including, American Express, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and most recently as VP, member engagement and loyalty at BJ's Wholesale Club.
Kumar began his career with Dunkin' Brands in 2000 and immediately prior to his promotion served as VP of IT, infrastructure, & information security & privacy. In that role, he has been responsible for the overall architecture and design, deployment, physical operation and performance of Dunkin' Brands global IT systems. He is also the head of the company's worldwide information security and privacy function.