Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf names Dunkin’ exec as new chief

Los Angeles -- John Dawson has been named president and CEO of coffee and tea retailer Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, charged with accelerating the chain’s plans for global growth.



Dawson most recently was global development officer of Dunkin' Donuts, where he crafted and executed an aggressive growth strategy and led the day-to-day operations of franchising, development, and construction. Prior to joining Dunkin' Brands, Dawson served as VP of worldwide restaurant development at McDonald's Corp., responsible for setting the strategic direction for McDonald's global development.



Dawson replaces Mel Elias, who will assume a position on the board of directors.



In September 2013, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf announced that Advent International, CDIB Capital, and Mirae Asset Private Equity had joined to acquire a significant equity position in the company. The three investors, along with existing shareholders The Sassoon family, aim to expand the brand's visibility and accelerate plans for domestic and international expansion.