OREANDA-NEWS. Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced the promotion of Kris Engskov to a global executive vice president role and the arrival of Martin Brok as new senior vice president and president in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). 

Engskov will be promoted to executive vice president, joining the Starbucks senior leadership team in Seattle and transitioning into a new role leading a key part of Starbucks global enterprise. More information will be available on this appointment later in the summer as the transition takes effect.

Having started with Starbucks in 2002, Engskov has worked in the region since 2011, first as managing director of Starbucks UK and Ireland and from 2013 as president of Starbucks EMEA. During his tenure, Engskov led a major restructuring of the EMEA business, including the development of a new licensed business model and the launch of the company’s first-ever franchising program. Over the past few years, the region has dramatically increased unit growth and profitability, driven by the signing of a number of new development agreements, including with Shell, REWE, and Casino, and through new licensing agreements to open several new geographies including Italy and South Africa.

Martin Brok, incoming senior vice president and president, Starbucks EMEA, joined the company in February 2016 as senior vice president, strategic partnerships. He previously served as vice president of Global Product and Merchandising Operations at Nike, where he was responsible for transforming the Global Product and Merchandising Operations and Analytics organization. 

He also served as chief operating officer for Nike’s direct-to-consumer business and as general manager of Western Europe and Asia Pacific operations for the company. Before Nike, Brok was senior vice president Franchise Operations & Marketing for EMEA at Burger King and also served in several strategic operations leadership roles. Brok, who is Dutch, has significant experience in the EMEA region and in global roles, leading key organizations within some of the world’s best-known brands.

“I could not be more proud of the progress we have made in Europe, Middle East and Africa, in some of the most competitive coffee markets in the world," said Kris Engskov, outgoing president, Starbucks EMEA. "With an entirely new business model now driving sustainable profitability, a healthy portfolio of stores, and new partnership agreements driving growth across 39 countries, our EMEA region is stronger than at any time in its history.  It has been a privilege to lead some of the best teams and the brightest people I have ever worked with. As I return to Seattle for a new professional challenge, I leave Starbucks EMEA in great hands with Martin, who will bring new energy, drive and leadership experience to the region.”

“It’s a huge honor to be given the opportunity to lead our EMEA business. I’ve been privileged to work for some of the best brands in the world throughout my career and I’m delighted to bring my experience to Starbucks in this region," said Brok. "We’ll focus on further elevating the brand across retail, channel development and digital through innovation, creating new occasions and deepening our connection with existing customers and engaging new ones. Kris’s hard work over the last five years means we are a strong part of the global team and well prepared for our next wave of growth. I look forward to building on this work and to working side by side with some of the finest partners in the company.”

“I want to congratulate Kris on his promotion and to wish Martin every possible success in his new role. Kris has led the Europe, Middle East and Africa businesses into profitability over the last five years," said Kevin Johnson, Starbucks chief operating officer. "He has always had a strong and ambitious vision for what needed to be achieved and has gone after delivering that vision every day, leading his team with determination, purpose and passion. Like Kris, Martin will be a great fit for the EMEA market as it develops and grows. He brings extensive experience of licensing and franchising and has a proven track record, having worked with some of the world’s biggest brands in senior positions. I look forward to watching the impact I know he will make on Starbucks in the region.”