Dutch Bros Inc. named former Nike executive Sumitro Ghosh president of operations, effective January 15, 2024. His hiring is among a series of personnel moves the burgeoning coffee company is expected to complete in the coming weeks in support of the chain’s growth plans.

Specifically, Jess Elmquist has joined Dutch Bros as chief people officer, and Joshua Guenser will join the company in February as chief financial officer. Guenser’s restaurant industry experience includes working with Starbucks, and more recently, MOD Pizza. In addition, Brian Maxwell, Dutch Bros current chief operating officer, is expected to become vice chairman.

These personnel moves come during a growth spurt for the company. During the fourth quarter of 2023, Dutch Bros reported opening 37 new locations, including 32 corporate units. And it wrapped up 2023 by opening 159 locations, including 146 company units. The company ended 2023 with 831 units systemwide, including 542 company locations. Looking ahead to 2024, Dutch Bros plans to open 150 to 165 locations.

“We are designing our executive leadership team to support the Dutch Bros mission and vision as we scale and grow to 4,000 shops," said Christine Barone, Chief Executive Officer of Dutch Bros. “We have an exceptional team with leaders who have deep knowledge of Dutch Bros and what sets it apart in the drive-through industry, as well as those who know how to thoughtfully guide the company in its next phase of growth.”