Kat Cole

Cole has an impressive background as a strategic leader with deep experience with omnichannel consumer brands, global expansion, restaurant operations, and franchising. She spent the last decade at Focus Brands in progressively larger executive roles, first as the president of Cinnabon, then as group president of Focus Brands overseeing licensing, manufacturing, and CPG, and finally as chief operating officer (COO) and president of Focus Brands for the last four years.

As COO, she was responsible for all seven of its global brands: Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe’s, McAlister’s, Schlotzsky’s, and Jamba, as well as the Licensing and International divisions responsible for building the brands in over 55 countries. Cole is credited for driving the turnaround of the Cinnabon business, building that franchise and its multi-channel business into a $1B brand, and for leading strong teams, innovation, and organizational change to support the growth of the company, franchisees, and brands.