Thomas Kelly appointed group CEO of Espresso House
Thomas Kelly, CEO Espresso House. Image: Espresso House
Espresso House, the Nordic premium café and coffee brand, has appointed Thomas Kelly as its new group chief executive officer. He will start in September.
Thomas brings decades of fast-casual and coffee experience, including as CEO of McDonald’s Finland and Sweden, global executive director of Costa Coffee, and, most recently, CEO of Honest Burgers.
“The fast-casual food and beverage sector continues to be filled with opportunities for excitement and innovation,” said Thomas Kelly. “The characteristics that have made Espresso House a national champion in Sweden and across the Nordics, present a remarkable platform for further growth. I look forward to bringing consumers in all our markets delicious food and drinks, warm and welcoming environments, all underpinned by our dedication to the fika tradition.”
This appointment is a major milestone for Espresso House, as it concludes the executive leadership changes made over the past year. Additionally, Konrad Meyer has assumed the position of board chairman.
Konrad Meyer added: “We are very happy to welcome Thomas to Espresso House and, coincidentally, are reuniting a proven duo of Thomas and Daniel Sandström, our CFO, who worked together for many years at McDonald’s. Our strengthened executive leadership team brings extensive Nordic and fast-casual experience. I look forward to partnering with Thomas, the board and the entire Espresso House team in pursuing our growth ambitions, while maintaining our commitment to serving the best coffee and food to our customers every day.”
Espresso House has been on a fast growth journey, from a national Swedish champion to a Nordic and Northern European leader operating more than 500 cafes. By innovating the traditional Swedish fika tradition, Espresso House seeks to provide a world-class coffee experience to all its guests. In leaning into Espresso House’s Nordic heritage, the Group has crafted a compelling, differentiated proposition and experience in the public premium coffee shop segment.
