Crosstown, known for its gourmet doughnuts, has appointed Jo Blundell as its new CEO.
Blundell has held several senior leadership roles, most recently as managing director for Papa John’s International; with her artisan bakery and QSR experience stretching across Le Pain Quotidien, McDonald’s and Burger King.
She joins Crosstown following its recent acquisition by Karali Snacks - part of the Karali Group - which also saw previous CEO Howard Ebison depart the business to become divisional director for theme park Chessington.
With Blundell at the helm, Crosstown is now looking to amplify its presence in the competitive UK bakery market.
“Jo’s inimitable experience aligns perfectly with the vision for Crosstown and its growth ahead,” said Karim Janmohamed, co-CEO of Karali Snacks. “Her deep understanding of consumer insights and operational excellence will be instrumental as we embark on exciting new initiatives to elevate Crosstown’s offering as a leading destination of indulgent treats.”
Along with strengthening Crosstown’s brand identity, Blundell will be focused on expanding its product range and enhancing customer engagement strategies.
“I am thrilled to join Crosstown at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” said Blundell. “With the support of Karali Snacks, we have an incredible opportunity to not only maintain the artisanal quality and creativity that Crosstown is known for but also to explore new avenues for growth nationally and internationally,” Blundell added.
With her background in leading successful brands, she aims to implement innovative marketing campaigns and streamline operations to ensure the highest quality of products and customer experiences.