Coffee giant Starbucks has promoted the head of its UK operations to a role that takes on the whole of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

And it has hired the managing director of Australian-themed restaurant chain Outback Steakhouse to be his replacement.

Cliff Burrows, currently senior vice-president and president for the UK, will have the same job title but now across EMEA.

Succeeding Burrows at the UK operation is Phil Broad, who will take the title of managing director.

Prior to Outback, Broad was a managing director of Whitbread’s TGI Friday’s operation.

Burrows joined Starbucks in 2001 from retailer Habitat. He led its growth to 500 outlets making the UK the company’s fourth most important market.

Starbucks has a long-term target of reaching 6,000 outlets in the EMEA region. It currently has 11,000 outlets worldwide.

By Andrew Sangster

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