A round-up of senior appointments from across the global coffee industry, including two senior hires at Costa Coffee, a new Global Talent Director role at Pret A Manger and a first Chief Growth Officer for US drive-thru operator Ziggi’s Coffee
Costa Coffee reset underway as Coca-Cola appoints new senior leaders
Less than a month after reportedly engaging two restructuring firms to carry out an operational review of its Costa Coffee business, US beverages giant Coca-Cola has appointed new management for two senior roles at the UK coffee chain.
Long-serving Coca-Cola executive Matthew Sisk has been appointed Costa’s Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 September 2026, while former Starbucks Head of HR Jez Langhorn has joined as Chief People Officer.
New Global Talent Director “fundamental to our future,” says Pret CEO
With plans underway to significantly ramp up outlet growth in key markets globally, most notably the UK, North America and the Middle East, JAB Holding-backed Pret A Manger has introduced a new Global Director of Talent role to spearhead its international workforce strategy.
As Global Talent Director, former National Grid Group Head of Recruitment Darren Peiris will play a key role in executive headhunting, leadership training and career development, as well as workforce planning as Pret builds outs its global store network.
Ziggi’s Coffee revs up growth engine with latest senior hire
Taking on a new Chief Growth Officer role within Ziggi Coffee’s leadership team, former FullSpeed Automotive Chief Marketing Officer Stacey Pool will oversee the process from store development to completion, identify new market opportunities and strengthen franchise profitability.
Pool’s appointment comes three months after Ziggi’s hired former Duck Donuts CEO Betsy Hamm as Fractional Chief Operating Officer and onboarded Clutch Coffee Bar Founder Darren Spicer as a consultant in April 2026 to support its next phase of growth.
Major corporate change at Greggs as Chief Financial Officer retires
Former Bakkavor Chief Financial Officer Ben Waldron will join Greggs in the fourth quarter of 2026 before formally assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer from 1 January 2027.
Waldron will succeed long-serving Chief Financial Officer Richard Hutton, who is retiring after nearly 29-years with the business.
Circle K Ireland appoints new Managing Director
Petrol, convenience store and self-serve coffee giant Circle K has appointed new leadership for its Ireland operations.
Former Senior Director Retail Sales and Operations Paul Dixon will take up the role of Managing Director from August 2026, succeeding Ciara Foxton who has become SVP of Operations for Circle K Mid-Europe & Asia.
Circle K is one of Ireland’s largest self-serve coffee operators, serving Löfbergs coffee.
