Costa Coffee: Jill McDonald steps down

Costa Coffee CEO Jill McDonald stepped down from the role at the end of July, returning to McDonald’s to take on an international role in the business.

McDonald joined Costa in 2019 after the company was bought by Coca-Cola; ‘playing a pivotal role in setting up the business for future success. She was instrumental in helping Costa navigate the pandemic, helping Costa emerge safely and stronger’.

Costa Coffee says it will name her successor shortly.

Prior to joining Costa, McDonalds was managing director of clothing and home for UK retailer Marks & Spencer; and CEO for Halfords Group.

McDonald held three roles with McDonald’s Corp. from 2006 to 2015, ultimately as UK CEO and division president, North Europe. 

From 1990 to 2006, McDonald worked for British Airways, eventually as global head of marketing. McDonald started her career as a graduate trainee at Colgate-Palmolive in 1987.