Kat Cole is stepping down as president of Focus Brands by the end of the year, the company said on Wednesday, ending a lengthy tenure that made her one of the industry’s most well-known executives.
Cole will continue working with the Atlanta-based owner of Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, Jamba and other chains until the end of the year. It is uncertain what Cole’s next step will be.
“In my time as CEO, we’ve managed through unprecedented times in our industry and Kat’s leadership and knowledge have helped us pave the way for an exciting 2021 and beyond,” Focus CEO Jim Holthouser said in a statement. “She has built a deep bench of diverse leaders and has helped to position the company and its brands for continued future growth.”
Cole joined Focus as president of Cinnabon in 2010. There, she led the turnaround of the franchise business and helped the chain become a $1 billion global concept. She was named chief operating officer and president of North America for Focus in 2017.
Cole has also become a highly recognizable industry leader and speaker over the years. Focus in a release said Cole would continue her board and advisory work in the wellness and food technology industries while also continuing her speaking, startup investing, mentoring and community impact work.
“With the growth we have experienced and the incredible leaders we have put in place, there is no better time to make the transition to my next chapter,” Cole said in a statement.
Cole’s departure is only the latest in a long string of changes at Focus, including the appointment of Holthouser in February.
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