Business School alumna lands the top role at Costa Coffee

A University of Brighton graduate has been appointed CEO of the US-owned coffeehouse chain Costa Coffee.

Jill McDonald, who graduated in 1986 with a first in Business Studies BA(Hons), has enjoyed a meteoric career rise: she was Chief Executive of McDonald’s fast food chain, Head of Global Marketing for British Airways, Chief Executive of Halfords and, most recently, Managing Director for clothing, home and beauty at Marks & Spencer.

Jill started her career as a graduate trainee at Colgate-Palmolive the year after leaving the University and she currently serves on the board of InterContinental Hotels Group. She will take up her new role on 2 December and will be based at Costa’s headquarters in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

Costa Coffee, a subsidiary of America’s The Coca-Cola Company, was founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971. It operates over 2,600 coffee shops in the UK and more than 1,300 in 31 international markets.

Jill said: “I have long been a fan of Costa and have watched the company grow in the UK and far beyond. I look forward to joining the Costa leadership team and building on the great foundation and growth potential in the business.”

Jennifer Mann, president of Global Ventures for The Coca-Cola Company, said: “Jill’s track record, depth of international experience and excitement about joining our business makes her an ideal leader to build on the great work of her predecessor Dominic Paul and the rest of the Costa team.”