Leadership

Peet’s Coffee nabs Wrigley candy exec as new CEO

The coffee company is looking to expand its retail business.
Peet's Coffee

Peet’s Coffee on Monday named a former global president of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company as its CEO.

Kenneth “Casey” Keller Jr., who was responsible for Wrigley’s global gum, mints and candy business, will take over the top spot at the 241-unit coffee chain next month.

Kenneth 'Casey' Keller Jr. courtesy of Peet's Coffee

Dave Burwick, who had been with Peet’s for five years, left earlier this year to become head of Boston Beer Company, which brews Samuel Adams beer, according to Elizabeth Ricardo, Peet’s senior public relations manager.

Keller is a good fit for Peet’s as it looks to expand its retail coffee business, said Olivier Goudet, chairman of Peet’s board of directors, in a news release.

“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,” Goudet said. “We have ambitious plans at Peet’s and Casey has the unique expertise and terrific experience to continue growing this great company.”

In addition to its cafes, Peet’s sells its ready-to-drink coffees at more than 16,000 grocery locations.

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