Former Starbucks executive Sarah Harris assumes responsibility for the premium bakery-café chain’s marketing, brand and digital strategies
Premium Danish bakery group Lagkagehuset has appointed former Starbucks executive Sarah Harris as its new Group Chief Marketing Officer.
Lagkagehuset, which trades as Ole & Steen in the UK and US, said Harris’ role will span marketing, brand, product and digital strategy across its 140 outlets. She will also play a central role in strengthening customer engagement and digital loyalty, the group added in a statement.
In January 2024, Lagkagehuset CEO Joachim Knudsen revealed that the company’s app was being used by 100,000 customers weekly and credited its digital rewards scheme as driving click & collect and delivery orders. Lagkagehuset’s digital sales grew 41% year-on-year in 2024 to account for 10% of group revenue.
“Sarah’s appointment marks an exciting step forward for our brand as we continue to expand both locally and internationally. Her leadership in marketing innovation and customer strategy will be invaluable as we deliver the next phase of our growth,” Knudsen said.
Harris joins Copenhagen-based Lagkagehuset after a total of 16 years with US coffee giant Starbucks. Having served as a Marketing Project Manager from 2005-2012, Harris rejoined the world’s largest coffee chain in March 2016 to lead creative campaigns for its EMEA team before being promoted to Marketing Director EMEA in September 2020 – with responsibility for all marketing functions across Starbucks’ 42 markets in the region.
Between her two stints at Starbucks, Harris served as Marketing Manager at fitness group Virgin Active.
Founded in 1991, Lagkagehuset operates 108 cafés in Denmark. The premium bakery group made its international debut in London in 2016 before launching in the US three years later. There are currently 26 Ole & Steen stores in the UK and a further six in New York, USA.
