California-based Peabodys Coffee has appointed John A. Phillips as chairman of its board of directors.

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Peabodys director, Barry J. Gibbons, a former chairman/CEO of Burger King, commented: “With the imminent launch of Black Rhino organic coffee into the retail sector, our company is at a stage where real growth is staring us in the face.


“We felt we needed added experience, skills and vision on the bridge of the ship, and in Phillips, we have acquired all three.”


The company announced earlier this month the launch of Black Rhino Coffee. The Black Rhino brand is certified organic and will be introduced to the mass market retail sector at the Food Marketing Institute’s Supermarket Convention on 5-7 May.


Phillips commented: “I see tremendous opportunities working with Black Rhino Coffee and I am just delighted to be on board.”

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Phillips brings over 30 years of experience in mass market and supermarket retailing. He built, owned and operated the Phillips Company supermarket chain that grew to become Arkansas’ largest privately owned retail company with sales in excess of US$300m.


Currently, Phillips is chairman of Arkansas-based Marathon Global, a marketing, sales and service company that recently formed an alliance with Peabodys Coffee to provide strategic marketing, sales planning and infrastructure support. In addition, he is the chairman of international wine importer Marathon Imports.