As General Manager for Growth Markets, Justus Haller will seek to accelerate outlet growth in the UK, expand the bubble tea chain’s five-market EMEA presence and forge new master franchise deals
Gong cha has appointed former Burger King executive Justus Haller as its new General Manager for Growth Markets, with responsibility for operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as well as Asia Pacific (APAC).
In a press release, the bubble tea chain said Haller will explore master franchise opportunities in markets with high growth potential, build its UK presence and execute the group’s wider EMEA expansion strategy.
Gong cha currently operates 12 stores in the UK, nine in France, seven in Belgium, five in Saudi Arabia and a single site in Portugal.
In the UK, where Gong cha has been headquartered since 2019, Haller will work alongside new UK franchisee, Jinziex, which signed a deal in March 2025 to open at least 225 new UK stores.
“We’re delighted to welcome Justus to our global team. As we work towards our ambitious goal of scaling to 10,000 sites by 2032, Justus’ experience in franchisee operations, finance, and management will be crucial for shaping the next phase of our development in EMEA and APAC,” said Paul Reynish, Global CEO, Gong cha.
Founded in Taiwan in 2006 and now headquartered in London, Gong cha is one of the world’s largest bubble tea chains with approximately 2,200 stores across 29 markets globally.
Haller joins Gong cha from Burger King Deutschland, where he served as Chief Financial Officer from October 2023. He previously worked for the fast-food giant’s parent company, Restaurant Brands International, in Switzerland, holding several senior financial and franchise roles over a nearly four-year period.
