Caribou Coffee, a renowned United States coffee chain, is undergoing a change in leadership as CFO Scott Kennedy steps into the role of interim CEO, marking a significant transition for the company. This move comes as John Butcher, the current CEO, prepares to hand over the reins and shift to an advisory position until the end of May to facilitate a smooth succession process.

Kennedy, who assumed the CFO position at Caribou Coffee in 2019, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With a background encompassing executive roles at Target Corporation and a tenure at KPMG, Kennedy is poised to lead the company through this transitional phase. The Board of Directors will initiate a search for a permanent CEO, evaluating candidates from both internal talent and external prospects.

Reflecting on Butcher’s contributions during his nearly eight-year tenure, Konrad Meyer, Chairman of Caribou Coffee, expressed gratitude for Butcher’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience and fostering a collaborative work culture within the company. The Board is optimistic about the future under Kennedy’s leadership as they aim to drive growth not only in North America but also on the international front.

Established in 1992, Caribou Coffee has grown to operate over 800 coffeehouses globally as of December 2024. As part of Panera Brands, alongside Panera Bread and Einstein Bros. Bagels, Caribou Coffee continues to solidify its presence in the coffee industry, promising a blend of quality and innovation for coffee enthusiasts worldwide.