Cold Stone names new president

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Cold Stone Creamery announced that Lee Knowlton has been promoted to president of international and new business development. 

 

Prior to the promotion, Lee served as senior vice president and oversaw international expansion efforts. He will report to Doug Ducey, chairman and chief executive officer. 

 

In his new role, Knowlton will continue to lead the international charge to achieve Cold Stone Creamery's vision that "The world will know us as The Ultimate Ice Cream Experience by making us the number-onebest-selling ice cream brand in America by December 31, 2009." By the end of this year, Cold Stone Creamery will have nine stores open in Japan, three in Korea, and soon will open the first stores in China and Taiwan. 

 

In addition to his international focus, Lee will seek out new development opportunities in order to strengthen Cold Stone's position domestically.

 

"A key component in continuing on the path to achieving this vision is developing relationships with our international partners, a role in which Lee Knowlton clearly excels," said Ducey.  "His commitment and dedication to the Cold Stone brand has been unwavering and I'm proud to have him in this new, more impactful role of growing our footprint overseas and evaluating potential new partnerships and relationships."

 

With restaurant experience spanning over 25 years, Lee was previously vice president of operations for NASCAR Motor Speedway and held director level positions for Planet Hollywood and T.G.I. Friday's, including the role of director of operations for T.G.I. Friday's in Korea.