Espresso House has announced a change of leadership with Anssi Thureson (left) appointed as CEO | Photo credit: Espresso House

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The Nordic region's largest coffee chain Espresso House Group has announced a change of leadership, with Anssi Thureson, the current Chief Operations Officer, appointed as the new CEO.

Espresso House, which operates almost 500 coffee shops in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Germany, says that John Nylén and Tomas Ekroth, former CEO and chief financial operator respectively, will both be leaving the company but will offer advisory roles to ensure a smooth transition. Ekroth was responsible for the development of the company's digital offering, such as the Espresso House app and coffee subscription.

“Following the challenges posed by the pandemic, Espresso House is once again a profitable company with growth. We have taken the course towards over 500 coffee shops, and I am convinced that the shift will take Espresso House forward in the right direction. Anssi Thureson is a committed and inclusive leader with a deep commitment to Espresso House employees, culture and heritage and I am confident that he will continue our fantastic development,” said John Nylén.

Having previously started his career at German supermarket Lidl, Thureson joined Espresso House in 2015 as CEO of Espresso House Finland, where he has successfully established the company's operations and opened 60 coffee shops in the country.

In 2020, he was promoted to Group Chief Operations Officer and was responsible for the company's overall strategies, expansion, development and the Group's management during the pandemic.

"Espresso House is a fantastic company that captures the Nordic spirit of team spirit, quality and service. I am honoured to be named CEO and I want to thank John for everything he has accomplished and for the path he has set for Espresso House. I look forward to the continued work with our fantastic team. To build on Espresso House's success in the Nordic region and also broaden our unique culture and concept to new guests in Europe,” said Thureson.

The coffee chain, which is owned by JAB Holding Company, recently announced a new collaboration with fellow Swedish company Oatly, which will see it serve the company’s oatmilk at all Espresso House café locations across the Nordics and Germany.