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Joshua Charlesworth on GLP-1 impact

From Josh Charlesworth, President and CEO, Krispy Kreme — Doughnuts to Dollars: An iconic American bra... · · ICR

“Remember that Krispy Kreme is a brand, a product for special occasions, usually shared, often given to others, purchased just two or three times a year, normally in dozens. Would you believe our fastest growth recently has been in the double dozens, where we've focused on providing value on that second dozen. In that context, I think it won't surprise you learn that we're not seeing significant impact specifically from the GLP-1s.”

Joshua Charlesworth
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, KRISPY KREME INC
GLP-1 impactconsumer behaviorsales trends

On , Joshua Charlesworth, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director at KRISPY KREME INC, spoke about GLP-1 impact during Josh Charlesworth, President and CEO, Krispy Kreme — Doughnuts to Dollars: An iconic American bra... on ICR.

Josh Charlesworth, President and CEO, Krispy Kreme — Doughnuts to Dollars: An iconic American bra...
Watch on YouTube at 29:14
Josh Charlesworth, President and CEO, Krispy Kreme — Doughnuts to Dollars: An iconic American bra...
ICR
Watch on YouTube at 29:14
Krispy Kreme has built a global brand on the strength of their incredible doughnuts. But the brand has recently gone through some struggles, and they're turning it around by finding new ways to get their products to consumers. Josh Charlesworth is the President and CEO of Krispy Kreme, which trades under the symbol D-N-U-T. Josh has served as President and CEO since January of 2024, and he joined the company as CFO in May of 2017. He was also appointed COO in May of 2019, and global president in 2022.   Josh joins us to discuss Krispy Kreme's revamped business plan, including their approach to domestic expansion, and their strategy for capital-light international franchising.   Highlights: • How Josh Joined Krispy Kreme: From Mars to Doughnuts (2:28) • Krispy Kreme's 89-Year History (3:32)  • The Scale of the Business Today (4:38) • The 2025 Turnaround: Why the Business Model Had to Change (6:29) • Capital Light Strategy & the Hub-and-Spoke Model (9:02) • US Expansion (10:16) • International Growth: Brazil, Spain, France & Beyond (12:05) • Surprising Markets & The Brand's Global Reach (13:27) • Japan Case Study (14:30) • Revenue vs. Profitability (16:22) • Margin Improvements, Leverage Reduction & Outsourced Delivery (17:57) • Preserving Quality while Franchising (20:57) • Target, Costco, Walmart & Fresh Delivery Expansion (22:53) • E-Commerce & Loyalty Membership (24:46) • LTOs, Collaborations & Staying Culturally Relevant (26:27) • GLP-1s & Changing Consumer Trends (29:07) • Top Priorities for 2026–2027 (31:11) • Josh's Favourite Krispy Kreme Doughnut (32:49)   Links: Josh Charlesworth LinkedIn (  / josh-charlesworth-6151645  ) Krispy Kreme LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/kris...) Krispy Kreme Website (https://krispykreme.com) ICR LinkedIn (  / icr  ) ICR Twitter (  / icrpr  ) ICR Website (https://icrcapital.com/)   Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]
Joshua Charlesworth

About Joshua Charlesworth

President, Chief Executive Officer & Director · KRISPY KREME INC

Josh Charlesworth, President and CEO of Krispy Kreme, has been discussing the company’s turnaround strategy, which he said was implemented in mid-2025 after the company determined that its growth was not sufficiently profitable and its balance sheet was not strong enough. Charlesworth stated that the company has focused on making revenue streams more sustainable and profitable, including exiting unprofitable distribution to some fresh delivery customers and outsourcing the logistics of delivering donuts to grocery and convenience stores to third-party experts. He noted that the company expects system-wide sales to increase 2% to 4% in constant currency in 2026, to over $2 billion, driven primarily by international expansion and the opening of at least 100 new franchise shops. Charlesworth has also addressed the impact of GLP-1 weight-loss medications on consumer behavior. He said that Krispy Kreme conducted research indicating that consumers who use these medications are as likely as non-users to purchase sweet treats for holidays and special occasions, with a focus on quality and taste. He characterized Krispy Kreme donuts as a product typically purchased two to three times per year for sharing and special occasions, and stated that the company has not seen a significant impact from GLP-1s on its sales. In the first quarter of 2026, the company reported narrowed losses and expanding margins, and Charlesworth highlighted strong demand during events such as Valentine’s Day and the promotion of an Artemis 2-themed donut.

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