Kris Engskov has been appointed as the new head of Starbucks UK and Ireland operations, according to a Guardian news report. Engskov previously served as Bill Clinton’s former aid and a White House press secretary, according to the report, and was said to be the inspiration for the Charlie Young character in the West Wing television series, accompanying the president almost everywhere.
Engskov joined Starbucks in 2003 as director of public policy, and most recently held the position of regional vice-president of the company’s US Pacific Northwest region.
Previous UK Starbucks head Darcy Willson-Rymer is leaving the company to “pursue other opportunity” according to a statement from the company. Engskov will reportedly take over from Willson-Rymer in September.