Starbucks UK has named Mark Fox as its new CEO.
Fox takes up the role on 6 January. He has more than 20 years’ experience, having started his career in retail in the North West. He was most recently CEO of Yum! Brands-owned Pizza Hut UK and has also worked for Compass Group.
“I am delighted to be joining Starbucks,” Fox said. “I have always loved Starbucks coffee and will now have the privilege of building on the momentum the team is creating. I look forward to meeting our passionate and very capable partners across the country, working with them to continue to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers.”
Fox will report to Kris Engskov, the former Starbucks UK CEO who was promoted to president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa in May this year.
Engskov said: “This is an exciting time for the UK business as we evolve our model to accelerate growth in this critical market. Mark’s prior experience couldn’t be more relevant.
“He has an impressive track record of delivering growth in competitive retail markets, and I am looking forward to working with him as we continue to drive the UK into profit,” he added.
Starbucks, which entered the UK in 1998, has about 750 stores. Its latest accounts show it posted a loss of £30.4m on sales up 4% to £413.4m (y/e 30 September 2012). It plans to open 300 new stores, creating 5,000 jobs, over the next five years. It also plans to open 200 drive-thru sites - 100 of which will be with Euro Garages.
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