Tomoro Coffee seeking new leadership after Global CEO steps down

Xing Wei Yuan (centre) at the launch of Tomoro Coffee in Singapore in February 2024 | Photo credit: Tomoro Coffee

Tomoro Coffee has announced a change of leadership amid efforts to reach an ambitious growth target deliver an in-store digitalisation strategy. 
 

In a statement, the Indonesian coffee chain said former Global CEO Xing Wei Yuan, also known as Star Yuan, had completed the ‘planned transition of managerial duties’ and will be succeeded in the interim by Sands Talk Capital Chief Information Officer and current shareholder Lulu Yang. Yuan will remain a Tomoro Coffee shareholder and support the transition as Tomoro Coffee seeks a new permanent CEO. 

Jakarta-based Tomoro Coffee said the move follows joint discussions between management and stakeholders and will enable the fast-growing coffee chain to optimise its business strategy and further accelerate outlet expansion.  

“We believe that under the leadership of the board of directors, management will be more effective, business operations will be more optimal, and the company’s growth will be more rapid,” the statement read. 

Yuan founded Tomoro Coffee in April 2022 and opened its first store in Jakarta four months later. Under his leadership, the coffee chain has rapidly scaled to more than 600 outlets across Indonesia with a focus on app-based ordering and speed-of-service.  

Tomoro Coffee made its international debut in China in November 2023 with a store in Shanghai before launching in Singapore and the Philippines in February and April 2024 respectively. 

In October 2024, Tomoro Coffee outlined ambitious plans to reach 1,000 outlets in Indonesia within the next 12 months and sees longer-term potential to open 3,000 stores across Southeast Asia, with expansion to Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand being explored. 

In its leadership update, ATM Capital-backed Tomoro Coffee also announced plans to build a digitalisation centre and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technology across its B2B and DTC operations in a bid to improve operational efficiency. The coffee chain will also enhance brand awareness globally through greater product innovation and unique branding strategies.