The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has appointed Tara Hinkle as its new president and head of Americas effective from January 2025.
Hinkle has 20 years of experience in franchising and strategic operational planning.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf CEO Jose Pepot Miñana Jr stated: "We are thrilled to welcome Tara Hinkle as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's new president and head of Americas."
"With her leadership in franchise growth and strategy, Tara is set to drive our expansion across the Americas. Her expertise and passion for the customer experience make her the ideal leader to strengthen our brand and community."
Before her appointment at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Hinkle served as senior director of franchise finance and strategy at Taco Bell where she led the brand's franchise finance and recruitment initiatives.
Hinkle also served as director of strategic partnerships at Starbucks, overseeing the development, integration and management of key collaborations.
In her new position, she is tasked with driving the growth strategy for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in the Americas.
She will be working with the franchise development team to bolster expansion efforts and ensure that the brand's strategic vision is in line with scaleable, sustainable growth.
Her background in franchise finance and operations will be pivotal in reinforcing The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's market positioning, and optimising business operations throughout the region.
Hinkle added: "I am honoured to step into the role of president and head of Americas at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and lead this incredible team.
"My goal is to drive franchise growth and expand our market reach by empowering our talented brew crew to exceed guest expectations. I look forward to this journey as we continue sharing our passion for exceptional coffee and tea with the world."
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has 1,200 locations worldwide.
Its coffee beans are roasted in small batches at a facility in Camarillo, California.
In May 2024, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf signed a master franchise agreement with Waterscape Investments to open its first Maldives store in the third quarter of the year.
