Peet's Coffee has named candy and gum industry veteran Kenneth C. “Casey” Keller Jr. as its new CEO. He will replace Dave Burwick effective Aug. 6.
Burwick had been CEO since 2012. Peet’s did not respond for comment when asked about Burwick’s departure.
According to Burwick’s LinkedIn account, he left Peet’s in March. He is currently the CEO and president of The Boston Beer Co., owner of Samuel Adams.
Parent company JAB Holding Co. said Keller served as global president of Chicago-based Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, a subsidiary of Mars Inc. There, he was charged with sales and profit growth of the company’s gum, mints and candy business.
“In the United States, the company's largest global market, he led a turnaround of the Wrigley business, delivering growth well above the industry average. During the integration of Wrigley into Mars, Keller helped establish the global business units and strategy for the combined Mars-Wrigley confectionery business,” JAB stated.
He has also worked in leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, HJ Heinz and Motorola.
"Casey has an impressive track record in the CPG space and his focus on growth and long-term value creation makes him the ideal leader for Peet's. We have ambitious plans at Peet's and Casey has the unique expertise and terrific experience to continue growing this great company,” said Olivier Goudet, JAB board chairman.
Keller, an avid coffee drinker, said he is honored to have the opportunity to join the Peet's. The company operates more than 230 cafes in eight states, and Washington D.C.
“Peet's has been a pioneer in the craft and ready-to-drink coffee segment and I am excited to continue the Peet's tradition through the company's next phase of growth,” he said in a statement. “I've long admired Peet's leadership in specialty and craft coffee, and I am eager to get to work with the entire Peet's team."
JAB’s other breakfast, coffee and bakery brands include Panera Bread, Krispy Kreme, Caribou Coffee, Keurig, and Einstein Brothers.
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