The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf names VP of store development

Los Angeles -- The Coffee Bean & Tea Left said that Bill Robards has joined the company as VP of store development. He will be responsible for delivering upon the brand's extensive growth and expansion plans in the United States.



Robards brings 30 years of strategic leadership in real estate, construction, and asset and facilities management. Prior to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robards held the positions of senior VP of development for JP Morgan Chase & Co. and previously worked with Starbucks as divisional VP of assets/facilities and divisional VP for the Western Division, which grew over 1,200 new stores. He also spent several years with McDonald's Corporation in the real estate division.



In September 2013, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf announced that Advent International, CDIB Capital and Mirae Asset Private Equity had joined together to acquire a significant equity position in the company. John Dawson was appointed CEO and president of chain as of January 1, 2014. His background includes leadership positions at Dunkin' Brands — where he held various positions over the past eight years, most recently serving as the global development officer of Dunkin' Donuts — as well as VP of worldwide restaurant development at McDonald's Corporation.