GMCR appoints former Coca-Cola President as new head

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR) announced on 20 November that Brian Kelley will become President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors effective 3 December 2012. Kelley will succeed GMCR’s current President and CEO, Lawrence J. Blanford, who in February 2012 announced plans to retire from GMCR and has been working with the Board of Directors to identify a successor, the company said in a statement. “GMCR is a Company with strong character and compelling purpose, coupled with strong brands and products about which consumers are passionate,” said Kelley. “I am honored and excited by the opportunity to lead this organisation whose products have sparked unparalleled growth in specialty coffee, and I look forward to working with its dedicated employees to drive continued growth and to deliver new innovations.” Kelley was named President of Coca-Cola Refreshments in September 2012, effective 1 January 2013. Coca-Cola Refreshments is The Coca-Cola Company’s North America business unit with 68,000 employees.  “With leading consumer brands, compelling distribution and relationships, and an ongoing commitment to funding innovation to leverage its single-serve expertise, we knew that GMCR’s next leader had to possess a strong combination of operational expertise, consumer product and brand experience and strategic insight,” said Michael J. Mardy, Interim Chairman of the Board of Directors, in a statement. “The Board of Directors conducted a thorough and robust search process which produced this outstanding leader who is ideally suited to lead GMCR as the Company continues to grow and evolve.”  Blanford has been President and CEO of GMCR since assuming the role from GMCR’s founder, Bob Stiller, in 2007. “I could not be more proud of what the GMCR organisation has accomplished during my tenure,” said Blanford in a statement. “I am certain that Brian is the right successor and will enable the company to fulfill what I believe is its tremendous potential. I look forward to working closely with him to ensure a smooth leadership transition.”