Emma Colquhoun announced her departure from Krispy Kreme in December 2024 after nearly seven years with the doughnut manufacturer, and will take up her new role at Wagamama from next month.
Prior to joining Krispy Kreme in January 2018, Colquhoun spent more than nine years in various roles at Ferrero, including as marketing director and finally as strategy and portfolio planning director.
At Wagamama, Colquhoun will oversee the brand’s proposition, marketing, commercial and growth strategy, including its recently launched loyalty scheme. She is also expected to utilise her “significant expertise” in customer strategy, digital and business transformation, while attempting to develop a consumer-centric culture that drives sustainable brand and business growth.
“I join Wagamama with a growth mindset and a can-do attitude,” said Colquhoun
“I’m truly passionate about people and customers, with a proven track record of driving business growth and developing the next generation of leaders.
“There’s much more to come later this year on how we will be disrupting the market in the iconic wagamama way, ensuring we stay top of mind for more people, more often.”
She also confirmed the news with a post on LinkedIn, adding: “For anyone that knows me they know it is simply my mission to leave brands and businesses in a better place than I found them, so here’s to making Wagamama as relevant and successful for the next 30 years as it has been for the last 30+ years.”
Elsewhere, the CEO at Wagamama, Thomas Heier, said the appointment of Colquhoun comes at an exciting time for the brand.
“We continue to build on the strong momentum of our brand both in the UK and internationally,” Heier added.
“Her expertise in customer engagement and business transformation will be invaluable as we focus on our next chapter of growth.”
As it stands, Wagamama operates more than 160 restaurants in the UK, while it recently announced the buy-back of its US joint-venture in September of last year. Owned by The Restaurant Group, Wagamama serves a range of ‘Asian inspired’ Japanese dishes.
