8 November 2010 – Chocolatier Thorntons has appointed Caffè Nero managing director Jonathan Hart as its new group chief executive.

He will join the business on 4 January and replaces Mike Davies who resigned in May after the company received another profit warning.

Thorntons Chairman John von Spreckelsen says, “Jonathan has an impressive track record in successfully running a number of multi channel businesses, including concessions, and a proven track record in the development of retail format strategies, as well as new product development and launches.”

Under Hart, Caffe Nero double its store numbers to over 400, and analysts predict that Thorntons appointment of the ambitious leader hints at upcoming expansion plans at the chocolatier.

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