Former Dunkin’ Donuts president joins Advent International’s Operating Partner Program

Boston Advent International, the global private equity firm, today announced that Will Kussell has joined the firm’s Operating Partner Program to advise on global investment opportunities in the retail and consumer sector, with a particular focus on restaurants, health and wellness, footwear and franchisors.

Most recently, Kussell served as president and chief brand officer of Dunkin’ Donuts Worldwide. In this role, Kussell oversaw Dunkin’ Donuts’ domestic and international operations, marketing, franchising and new business initiatives.

During his 15-year tenure at Dunkin’ Donuts, Kussell led the successful strategic repositioning of Dunkin’ Donuts to a coffee and bakery segment leader, growing U.S. sales in the process from just over $1 billion in 1994 to more than $5 billion in 2009. Additionally, Kussell launched the “America Runs on Dunkin” marketing campaign and established an international growth strategy that led to a 60% sales increase from 2004-2009. Prior to Dunkin’ Donuts, Kussell served as Reebok’s VP marketing and as Polaroid’s International Group product manager.

Commenting on his new role, Kussell said, “The retail sector is dynamic, and there is considerable potential for investing in and further developing brands in the space. Advent’s reputation as an established global firm with a long history of generating growth and value is a powerful platform to address these opportunities. I am excited to be working with Advent on the development of their retail and consumer portfolio.”

Kussell is a member of the board of directors of Modell’s Sporting Goods. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and sociology, magna cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s of Business Administration from Boston University.