Costa Coffee boss quits after being overlooked for Whitbread job

Costa chief Christopher Rogers is hanging up his barista’s apron and heading for pastures new after 11 years at Whitbread.

Rogers is believed to have lost out first to Andy Harrison in 2010 and last year to Alison Brittain in his ambition to become the Premier Inns owner’s chief executive. He will step down from the board next week and leave at the end of June.

He is being replaced by Dominic Paul, who has been recruited from cruise giant Royal Caribbean.

Rogers’ departure may dampen regular speculation that Whitbread might split itself in two — something Brittain has resisted. But it also comes after Costa reported a surprising slowdown in growth in the final quarter of its financial year but said it would still hit City forecasts.

Paul’s appointment suggests Brittain is focusing on making Costa’s extensive overseas operations profitable. The international business had sales of more than £300 million in the last year but has yet to make money.

Rogers will paid until he leaves but will receive no extra pay-off.

Whitbread shares fell 95p, or 2.5%, to 374p on the news.