The parent company of Dunkin’, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic and four other franchised restaurant chains has named 9,000 John Varughese COO of its international business.
In his new role, Varughese is responsible for the operation, training, marketing and omnichannel access of the restaurants that Inspire Brands operates or franchises across 60 countries outside of the United States. He will be based in Inspire’s Dubai support center and will report directly to Michael Haley, the company’s president and managing director of international operations.
Varughese was previously SVP of international for Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins, which both have extensive operations overseas. Before joining Dunkin’ in 2003 as international business manager, Varughese was the manager of the Persian Gulf region for Galadari Ice Cream Co., Baskin-Robbins’ licensee in the Middle East.
“Our mission for International is to ignite global growth by leveraging Inspire’s collective strengths , and John’s experience in the restaurant industry will be integral in driving long-term success across the Inspire portfolio,” Haley said in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside John to capitalize on the tremendous international growth potential for all our brands.”
Several of Inspire’s brands, including Sonic, Rusty Taco, Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, have yet to deeply penetrate the international market.
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