Former Hotel Chocolat CEO named UK CEO of Caffè Nero

Former Hotel Chocolat chief executive Lysa Hardy, who stepped down from the business in August, has been appointed UK CEO of Caffè Nero.

Hardy, who spent seven years at Hotel Chocolat and seven months as CEO, will report to Caffè Nero group chief executive Gerry Ford and work alongside managing director Glyn House in her new role.

She brings over 20 years’ experience in UK high street brands to the coffee specialist, having previously held positions across T-Mobile, Joules and Holland and Barrett.

The announcement comes roughly seven months after Will Stratton-Morris stepped down as chief executive of Caffè Nero UK following a seven-year stint at the helm. Stratton-Morris now acts as group chief business development officer for the coffee chain.

Ford said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lysa to Caffè Nero. Her experience and track record makes her a great complement to Glyn and allows us to take the UK Caffè Nero business forward in the next phase. We have considerable brand momentum in the coffee space globally and in the UK, where we continue to gain market share and have delivered record first half results.”

Hardy added: “I’m delighted to be joining the Caffè Nero UK business; it’s an exciting brand which has consistently outperformed the market. This is the leading coffee brand in the premium space and Caffè Nero is well placed to have numerous opportunities and strong growth in the years ahead.”

In its most recent results the coffee chain recorded first-half sales of £185.4m across its UK business, up 7% year-on-year.

Caffè Nero operates over 1,100 stores across 11 countries and owns 94% of its sites.