Diedrich Coffee Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) has announced the resignation of ceo Stephen Coffey. Board member J. Russell Phillips will assume the role.
Coffey has been ceo of the coffeehouse chain since 2005. During his tenure, said a company statement, “he successfully transformed the company from an unprofitable operator of local coffeehouses to a nationally known roaster and distributor of branded specialty coffees.”
“Our Gloria Jean's franchising system has also been strengthened by implementing a dedicated management staff,” said chairman Paul Heeschen, “enhancing concept design and marketing while adding structure and discipline to lease management, development and financial controls.”
Phillips, a member of the Diedrich board since 2007, has served as managing principal of Transom Partners (Fullerton, Calif.), an executive consultancy group. Prior to that, he was president and ceo of Shurflo LLC, a manufacturer of pumps and plumbing equipment located in Cypress, Calif.
Diedrich Coffee specializes in sourcing, roasting and selling coffee and operates 136 mostly franchised retail outlets in 30 states under three brands: Diedrich Coffee, Gloria Jean's Coffees and Coffee People.