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Cole to Step Aside from Focus Brands

Kat Cole will step down from her post as chief operating officer and president for multiconcept operator Focus Brands. Cole’s departure is expected to happen by the end of the year.

kat cole focusCole joined Focus Brands in 2010 as the president of Cinnabon. In 2017 Cole was named COO and president, North America for Focus Brands. Her leaving Focus Brands caps off a busy year for the company. In the immediate future, Cole will continue her board and advisory work in various industries, including wellness and food technology, while also continuing her speaking, mentoring, startup investing and community impact work, per a company release.

The news of Cole’s departure is the latest in a series of developments that have reshaped Focus Brands. In September, Focus Brands reorganized its company into two business units. Kristen Hartman was promoted to president of the Specialty Brands division, which includes Auntie Anne'sCarvelCinnabon and Jamba. Erik Hess was promoted to president of the Restaurant Brands division, which includes McAlister's DeliMoe's Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky's. In July, Focus Brands appointed company veteran Tim Muir to the newly created role of chief sales officer. To replace Muir as chief development officer, FOCUS Brands hired Brian Krause. And Jim Holthhouser joined Focus Brands as the company’s CEO in February of this year.