Theresa Zandhuis is the Chief People Officer at Krispy Kreme Inc., where she leads the company's global human resources strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a positive workplace culture. With over 20 years of experience in human resources and organizational leadership, Zandhuis joined Krispy Kreme in 2018, bringing a wealth of expertise from her previous roles at multinational corporations in the consumer goods and retail sectors. Her passion for people-centric leadership has been instrumental in aligning HR initiatives with Krispy Kreme's mission to spread joy through its iconic doughnuts and beverages. Prior to Krispy Kreme, she held senior HR positions at companies like Unilever and Target, where she honed her skills in change management and employee engagement during periods of rapid growth and transformation. Throughout her career, Zandhuis has achieved notable successes, including spearheading diversity and inclusion programs that increased workforce representation by 25% in her previous roles and implementing innovative training platforms that boosted employee retention rates. At Krispy Kreme, she has been pivotal in navigating the company through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing flexible work policies and wellness initiatives that enhanced employee satisfaction and productivity. Her leadership has earned her recognition, such as being named one of HR Executive's Top 100 HR Leaders in 2022, and she is a frequent speaker at industry conferences on topics like sustainable talent management and inclusive leadership. In her current role, Zandhuis oversees a team responsible for all aspects of people operations, from recruitment and performance management to compensation and benefits, ensuring that Krispy Kreme attracts and retains top talent in a competitive market. She is committed to building a culture of innovation and joy, aligning with the brand's heritage, and has launched programs like the "Sweet Success" employee development series to empower staff at all levels. Looking ahead, Zandhuis aims to leverage emerging technologies in HR to further enhance employee experiences, positioning Krispy Kreme as an employer of choice in the food and beverage industry.