Shipley Donuts adds three to C-suite
A fast-growing donut chain is adding new faces to its leadership team as it approaches 400 locations.
Houston-based Shipley Donuts has named Matt Kafka as COO, Todd Brin as chief development officer and John Feray as CFO. The three appointments follow the addition of Bill Leibengood as chief marketing officer, who joined Shipley in late 2025.
COO
As COO, Shipley says Kafka will champion operational excellence and strengthen franchisee leadership. He brings more than 30 years of restaurant experience to Shipley, most recently serving as senior VP and interim chief operating officer at Smoothie King, where he oversaw franchise and corporate operations across approximately 1,250 stores. Kafta previously held operations roles at Jamba Juice.
Development Chief
As development chief, Brin will oversee all aspects of franchise sales, development, construction, design and real estate with a focus on streamlining processes, reducing costs and accelerating unit growth across the Shipley system, according to the company. Brin, who joined Shipley in 2025 as VP of design and construction, brings more than 30 years of experience in unit development, operations and strategic leadership.
He spent 22 years at Wingstop in a variety of roles, where he helped build the systems that scaled the brand from 85 to 2,500 units worldwide.
CFO
Feray will focus on improving franchise unit economics and strengthening margins as chief financial officer. With more than 30 years of experience in finance, accounting, operations and strategic leadership, he most recently served as chief financial officer at GSM Outdoors for three years and has held financial leadership roles at Dollar General Corp., RadioShack and other companies.
“Each of these leaders brings a depth of experience that positions Shipley for our next stage of growth,” said Flynn Dekker, CEO of Shipley Donuts. “From John’s experience and lifelong connection to the brand to the franchise leadership and multi-unit growth expertise that Matt and Todd bring, this expanded team will help us build on 90 years of tradition while accelerating the next chapter of this iconic brand.”
The C-suite appointments come as Shipley Donuts continues to expand its store count and enter new markets. In February, the chain signed four multi-unit deals to expand its national footprint, including in Las Vegas, where it will make its debut. It will also open multiple new locations in New Orleans, Atlanta and Dallas-Forth Worth.
Shipley Donuts opened a record 35 new shops in 2025, including locations in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The chain was acquired by private equity firm Levine Leichtman Capital Partners last summer.
[READ MORE: Shipley Do-Nuts sold to California-based private equity firm]
Founded in 1936, Shipley Donuts operates more than 385 company-owned and franchised restaurants across 13 states. The chain offers more than 40 varieties of fresh, handmade donuts.
