28 September 2004
Restaurant Brands Announce Departure Of Starbucks New Zealand General Manager
Restaurant Brands New Zealand Ltd today announced that the New Zealand General Manager of Starbucks Coffee, Aasha
Murthy, has been appointed to head the Australian operation of Starbucks Coffee based in Sydney.
Restaurant Brands CEO Vicki Salmon said Ms Murthy would be leaving Starbucks Coffee New Zealand in early November to
transition into her new managing director role.
“We are actively seeking a replacement but, in the interim, I will be overseeing the New Zealand operation to ensure
business continuity,” she said.
Restaurant Brands is an authorised licensee of Starbucks Coffee International, Inc.
Murthy will be responsible for the health, growth and profitability of the Starbucks Coffee brand in the Australian
market. She will also continue to be involved in the New Zealand business on Starbucks Coffee International’s behalf.
Vicki Salmon said that Ms. Murthy had been instrumental in the success of Starbucks Coffee New Zealand.
“Aasha has done an outstanding job of establishing and growing the Starbucks Coffee brand in New Zealand and I am sure
she will take the same excitement and passion to Australia.”
“We are sad to see her leave, but we know that she will continue to provide leadership and guidance to the New Zealand
market while helping to grow the brand in Australia,” she said.
For the last four years, Murthy has overseen the growth of Starbucks Coffee in New Zealand, building a team of more than
400 partners and establishing 36 Starbucks stores throughout the country.
In addition, Murthy and her team’s commitment to giving back to the community earned them international recognition for
Starbucks Coffee New Zealand’s “Lend a Hand” program with Youthline.
ENDS