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New Zealand and UK-based coffee roaster and hospitality group Ozone Coffee Roasters International (OCRI) has appointed Lizzie Gurr as its first Global CEO.

Gurr, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer, helped to bring the Ozone brand to the UK from New Zealand, where it was founded in 1998.

OCRI now comprises Ozone Coffee Roasters, New Zealand-based West Coast Cocoa and UK specialty coffee brand Hasbean, which Gurr led the acquisition of in 2018.

Gurr has outlined five key growth pillars for OCRI to achieve by 2028 – scaling e-commerce operations to support online sales; expanding its wholesale offering and product portfolio; opening new locations and strengthening its sustainability commitments.

As part of the commitment, OCRI plans to open ‘strategically located’ coffee-focused cafés, both in London and ‘beyond’.

The company currently operates four Ozone cafés, with branches in New Plymouth, Auckland and two stores in London.

OCRI anticipates that it will achieve B Corp certification by the end of 2022, with the company previously outlining plans for three separate B Corp applications for the Ozone roastery and eatery businesses in New Zealand and the UK, and the UK-based Hasbean roastery.

“I am incredibly proud to lead our team as CEO, and excited for the opportunity that lies ahead for our brands and team. It has been a humbling and gratifying experience to be a part of everything this team has accomplished in the last few years, and I’m excited to lead our team in ushering a new era of continued success for our community and business,” Gurr said.

OCRI has also appointed Dale Harris, former Head of Business Development at Hasbean and the 2017 World Barista Champion, to UK Chief Operating Officer.

Craig Macfarlane, who acquired Ozone Coffee Roasters in 2000, will move into a Board of Directors role as part of a planned leadership transition.