High street chocolate maker Thorntons has announced the appointment of former Caffe Nero and Dixon's Group MD Jonathan Hart as its new CEO.
Hart takes up the role from January 4 2011.
As managing director of Caffe Nero, Hart led the company to doubling its number of outlets and he is credited with building the brand equity significantly and increasing company profits.
He has also held senior positions at Abbey, Woolworths and ITM Communications
John von Spreckelsen, Chairman of Thorntons, said: “Jonathan brings a wealth of relevant experience to Thorntons from the retail and consumer goods sectors. He has an impressive track record in successfully running a number of multi channel businesses, including concessions, and a proven track record in the development of retail format strategies, as well as new product development and launches. We are delighted that Jonathan has agreed to join Thorntons.”
Hart replaces Mike Davies who announced his retirement in May.
Thorntons manufactures most of its products at its factory in Derbyshire. Look out for a company profile on the site in the November edition of The Manufacturer magazine.
