Group CEO Joachim Knudsen | Photo credit: Lagkagehuset

Danish bakery café chain Ole & Steen has appointed Joachim Knudsen as its new Group CEO, effective 1 January 2024. 
 

The former Managing Director of McDonald’s Denmark and Sweden succeeds Jason Cotta in the role after the former Costa Coffee Managing Director stepped down earlier this month. 

Announcing its search for a new Group CEO, Ole & Steen said it was seeking ‘a different profile’ of leadership’ better suited to its strategic needs in the future. 

Ole & Steen Chairman David Campbell said Knudsen’s 25-years industry experience and ‘operational focus’ will be central to the brands next phase, which includes optimising the business to deliver strong organic growth and improved profitability. 

Alongside more than 100 outlets in Denmark, where it trades as Lagkagehuset, Ole & Steen operates 26 UK stores and five sites in New York, US. 

“I am excited to join Lagkagehuset on the next step of its journey. It is a fantastic brand with great locations in Denmark, London, and New York. I am convinced that the company is well-positioned for its next phase of operational excellence and I look forward to developing the company further in cooperation with the entire team,” Knudsen said. 

Knudsen joined McDonald’s Denmark in March 2010 as Marketing Director before assuming the Managing Director role in September 2014. He joined McDonald’s Sweden in the same role in October 2019.