Whitbread appoints Christopher Rogers as Costa MD, as John Derkach leaves for Tragus
Whitbread has made Christopher Rogers the new managing director of Costa Coffee, following the departure of John Derkach, who will become chief executive of restaurant group Tragus.
Rogers is currently group finance director at Whitbread, and will now be tasked with expanding the Costa business to 3,500 stores worldwide, £1.3b system sales and 3,000 Costa Express machines by 2016.
Meanwhile Derkach has left the business to replace Graham Turner, current chief executive of Tragus, who has decided to step down after seven years in the role. Derkach has been managing director of Costa Coffee since 2006, having joined Whitbread in 1994 as marketing director of Whitbread Beer Company.
Commenting on Rogers's move, Whitbread chief executive Andy Harrison said: "This is a great opportunity to head up a fantastic business. Costa has a strong and experienced team leading its four divisions, all of which have exciting profitable growth potential".
Meanwhile, Charles Gurassa, Tragus group chairman, welcomed Derkach to his new role: "I am delighted that John is joining as CEO. He is a very strong leader with the right skills to drive Tragus forward over the coming years. I look forward to working with John in this the next exciting stage in the development of Tragus."
Costa is driving force behind Whitbread sales growth >>
Branded coffee chains continue to go from strength to strength >>
Tragus in talks over bank debt >>
By Neil Gerrard
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