Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. announced that Paul D. O'Brien has become president, Asia Pacific, reporting to President and CEO Brian P. Kelley. The appointment coincides with the announcement of the retirement of current President, International Business Development, Gerard Geoffrion at the end of calendar 2014.
O'Brien joins GMCR from Sara Lee Corp., where he served as managing director of the kitchens of Sara Lee Pty. Ltd. based in Australia since November 2010. As GMCR's president, Asia-Pacific, a newly created position, he will be responsible for building and managing the company's Asia Pacific business.
"I'm pleased to welcome Paul to the GMCR team as we look to cultivate the quality, convenience and variety of the Keurig® system beyond North America," said Kelley, in a prepared statement. "With more than 20 years of experience developing and implementing growth strategies in various international markets, Paul's expertise and focus on our vision will help the company prosper in this new geography."
O'Brien has held roles including strategy, sales, marketing and innovation responsibilities across various Asia Pacific geographies with companies including Accenture, Defiance Hong Kong Pty Ltd, and the Kellogg Co. where he was director of strategy and business development - Asia Pacific. Over the last decade, Paul has led premium branded companies, including Lowan Australia Limited as managing director and chief executive officer, Illinois Tool Works as group general manager - ITW Construction Systems and Kitchens of Sara Lee Pty. Ltd. as managing director. Paul holds a Bachelor of Economics from University of Queensland, and a Masters of Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Bond University. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
"Gérard has contributed significantly to Green Mountain and Van Houtte's success during his nearly two decades of service," said Kelley, commenting on Geoffrion's retirement. "We are glad to have Gérard engaged over the next year to continue our international expansion and transition his responsibilities to leaders of key geographic segments."
Geoffrion was named president, international business development for GMCR in October 2012. He previously served as president of GMCR's Canadian business unit. He joined the company in December 2010 through the acquisition of Van Houtte and was previously Van Houtte's president and CEO. Geoffrion joined Van Houtte in 1995 and held a number of positions during his tenure including executive vice president and CFO and vice president, corporate development. Geoffrion will step down as president, international business development on Mar. 31, 2014 and continue as executive advisor, strategic initiatives from Apr. 1, 2014 until Dec. 31, 2014.
