Mark Fox is to step down as the managing director of Starbucks UK at the end of April after helping the group develop and expand its new franchise model, M&C has learnt.
The former chief executive of Pizza Hut UK’s delivery business, who joined Starbucks at the start of 2014, is leaving to pursue other projects. M&C understands that coffee chain’s UK leadership team will transition to a UK trading group, led by Rhys Iley, current vice president of licensed operations EMEA and UK retail.
Under Fox, the company has grown its franchised and licensed estate to over half of our total portfolio – c225 franchise and c300 licensed versus c395 equity-owned.
The result of this strategy has been improved operating income and two years of profitability.
Starbucks spokesperson said: “We want to thank Mark for everything he has done for Starbucks over these last two years. Alongside helping the franchising team build a world-class programme, he has been instrumental in the success of our re-franchising initiative, guiding the strategy and delivery from the very beginning. With the change in our business model we now plan to bring our management structure in line with our other European markets, removing the UK managing director position. Mark has decided the time is right to move on as a result. Mark will be much missed, and we wish him the very best as he heads off to his next role.”
Fox said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the Starbucks UK business at such a critical time in its growth and I am delighted at the progress the team has made against its business goals over the past two years. As the UK is brought in line with the other Starbucks markets in the EMEA region and the role of managing director is removed, it feels like the right time for me to pursue other interesting projects outside Starbucks.”
