Whitbread finance director takes hot coffee role

Whitbread has given finance director Chris Rogers the job of running its Costa Coffee chain and implementing worldwide expansion plans.

Chris Rogers, who joined Whitbread in 2005 as group finance director, will lead a five year growth plan to increase the size of the business to 3,500 stores worldwide, £1.3bn system sales and 3,000 Costa Express machines by 2016.

Costa is already the UK's largest coffee shop brand with almost 1400 stores and a further 800 units in 25 overseas markets, including China and India.

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He takes the job following incumbent John Derkach's decision to join UK restaurant company, Tragus Group, as Chief Executive in August.

"Chris has played a major part in Whitbread's strategic development and, as a long standing member of the Costa management board, understands the vital brand and cultural DNA which has driven its success," said Andy Harrison, Whitbread's Chief Executive.

"Costa has an exciting future within Whitbread and Chris will spearhead our ambitious growth plans, which will create substantial shareholder value."