Donatos Pizza is getting a new CEO, the company announced, but it will be a familiar face. Current company President Kevin King will replace CEO Tom Krouse, who is set to retire on Oct. 10: the date of his 65th birthday.
In a press release, the company referred to the succession as “well planned,” and said having been able to hand-select somebody internal as Krouse’s successor will ensure “a smooth handover and continued success for the brand, built on the strong foundation of family values.”
Krouse joined Donatos Pizza in 2000 after 18 years with Wendy’s. He initially served as the pizza company’s director of franchise expansion. He also helped develop Donatos’ retail division, Jane’s Dough Premium Foods. Krouse ascended to CEO in 2010 and has served in the role ever since.
Related: 60-Year-Old Franchise Predicts 150 New Locations in 2024
“I feel like the luckiest guy alive to have had the opportunity to lead a company with amazing people and an awesome mission,” Krouse said. “I’m truly honored. I am so happy for Kevin and Donatos because he is the perfect choice to take this company into the future.”
The press release highlighted a variety of accomplishments achieved by the Donatos brand under the leadership of Krouse:
-The company doubled in size (Donatos Pizza currently claims around 170 locations)
-The franchise system grew from 10 to 45 partners
-Average unit sales volume increased 60 percent higher than the pizza industry average
-Franchise satisfaction rating was 13 points higher than the franchise benchmark
“When Jane and I promoted Tom to President and CEO, we knew we were about to embark on a new chapter of growth and innovation,” says Jim Grote, founder of Donatos Pizza. “Tom’s leadership and passion have had a profound impact on our family business. He has been a living example of our philosophy of Agape Capitalism by leading with love, living the Golden Rule, and always striving to do the right thing. He believes in the possible and clearly sets strategy and vision for the future. Tom’s creative approach to growth is deep-rooted in his belief of ‘saying yes until there is a reason to say no.’ He has built a solid foundation for a prosperous future.”
“I have had the distinct advantage and privilege of witnessing firsthand Tom’s drive, innovative thinking, and unwavering passion for our people-first culture from the personal side as his wife and from the business side as his colleague,” adds Jane Grote Abell, Donatos Pizza Chief Purpose Officer and Chairwoman of the Board. “Family has been the heart and soul of our business since 1963, and Tom has embodied this throughout his tenure. He has not only been a remarkable leader, but also a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Tom’s impact will continue to resonate, shaping the foundation of our company for generations to come.”
Succeeding Krouse is King, a longtime friend of the family who has a rich history with the Donatos Pizza brand, having served as VP of Development from 1990 to 2003. King’s early career was spent at Domino’s Pizza, serving in operations, then multi-unit supervision, and finally in international operations in Australia.
Prior to rejoining Donatos Pizza as President in 2022, King solidified his expertise in the pizza industry at Papa Murphy’s. While serving as senior vice president of operations and as chief development officer, he led the strategic and tactical aspects of the successful expansion of the world’s largest take-n-bake pizza chain. King then served as chief development officer at Smoothie King International for almost six years, expanding the fast-growing chain throughout the US and internationally.
“Tom’s leadership and counsel since rejoining Donatos has been nothing short of exceptional,” says King. “He’s been a phenomenal mentor and a true friend. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and build upon his legacy. Together, with our talented and diverse leadership team, I’m excited to continue to elevate Donatos’ reputation for delicious food, strong community ties, and an unwavering commitment to our values.”
King’s vision for the future prioritizes growth and innovation. He plans to leverage the brand’s robust foundation and core values to expand its reach while remaining true to its heritage. Furthermore, King and Krouse have proactively cultivated a talented leadership team, ensuring a well-rounded perspective as Donatos Pizza embarks on its next chapter.
“Jim and I have complete confidence in Kevin as the perfect leader for Donatos in our next chapter of growth,” Jane Grote Abell added. “Kevin has demonstrated a genuine commitment to fostering our people-first culture, upholding our mission and core values as his first priority. His extensive expertise in operations and growth within the franchise industry, paired with his deep understanding of our company mission and values, make him the ideal person to continue building upon the legacy that Tom has built.”
