Caffè Nero has appointed former Hotel Chocolat boss Lysa Hardy as its new UK CEO.
Beginning the role immediately, Hardy will oversee the UK business, reporting to group CEO Gerry Ford. She will work alongside existing managing director Glyn House.
Hardy brings over two decades of experience leading and growing high-profile UK retail brands to the role, most recently as CEO of Hotel Chocolat and previously with key roles at T-Mobile, Joules, and Holland & Barrett.
Her background prior to general management was as chief marketing officer, chief commercial officer and chief customer officer in consumer goods and services businesses. She has also held several non-executive director roles.
“I’m delighted to welcome Lysa to Caffè Nero,” said Ford. “Her experience and track record makes her a great complement to Glyn and allows us to take the UK Caffè Nero business forward in the next phase.
“We have considerable brand momentum in the coffee space globally and in the UK, where we continue to gain market share and have delivered record first-half results.”
Hardy added: “I’m delighted to be joining the Caffè Nero UK business; it’s an exciting brand which has consistently outperformed the market.
“This is the leading coffee brand in the premium space and Caffè Nero is well placed to have numerous opportunities and strong growth in the years ahead. I’m thrilled to be working for Gerry and to be part of that journey.”
Her appointment follows a record first half for the business, as UK sales rose 7% to £185.4m driven by demand for matcha and iced drinks.
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