Costa Coffee appoints new CEO
Dominic Paul will step down as CEO of Costa Coffee effective 30 November 2019. He will be succeeded on 2 December by Jill McDonald, an experienced business leader who has worked in senior roles across several industries, including retailing and airlines.
Paul led Costa through a strong growth phase, along with the sale of Costa to The Coca-Cola Company, the complex separation from Whitbread and the development of Costa’s new growth strategy.
“Dominic led a significant reshaping of Costa’s international footprint, the expansion of the brand across multiple new platforms and a wide-ranging reset of the core UK business strategy,” said Jennifer Mann, president of global ventures for The Coca-Cola Company, parent of Costa.
McDonald will report to Mann. “I am excited to welcome Jill to the Costa family,” Mann said. “Her track record, depth of international experience and excitement about joining our business makes her an ideal leader to build on the great work of Dominic and the rest of the Costa team.”
Most recently, McDonald was managing director of clothing and home for Marks & Spencer. Prior to that, she held senior roles at Halfords, McDonald’s Corp and British Airways.
“I have long been a fan of Costa and have watched the company grow in the UK and far beyond,” McDonald said. “I look forward to joining the Costa leadership team and building on the great foundation and growth potential in the business.”
Paul will remain with Costa as a special advisor through February 2020, supporting the transition.
About Costa Coffee
Founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971, Costa Coffee operates over 2,600+ coffee shops in the UK and more than 1,300+ in 31 international markets. It has been awarded “Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain in the UK and Ireland” by Allegra Strategies for nine years running (2010-2018).
