OUR PEOPLE

Peet’s Coffee is powered by a diverse group of experienced leaders, coffee professionals, innovators, and dedicated team members who bring expertise and passion to every part of the business. From executive leadership and technology to coffee sourcing, retail operations, product development, and supply chain management, this team plays an important role in shaping the company’s continued growth and commitment to quality.

Stuart Heflin serves as President of Peet’s Coffee, Inc., overseeing the company’s domestic and international operations, including Stumptown Coffee, Intelligentsia Coffee, and Peet’s China. He joined Peet’s in 2025 following more than two decades of experience guiding major consumer brands. His previous leadership roles included work with The Simply Good Foods Company, Glanbia Performance Nutrition, and Procter & Gamble, where he developed broad expertise in brand management, innovation, and business strategy. His preferred Peet’s order is a large Americano with an extra espresso shot, served black.

Allan Smith is Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, leading Peet’s digital and technology strategy. Since joining the company in 2018, he has guided the development of technology platforms supporting information systems, retail, eCommerce, and information security. With more than 25 years of experience across public and private organizations, Allan brings extensive knowledge of technology leadership and business transformation. Before joining Peet’s, he served as SVP and CIO of lululemon athletica. His favorite coffee is a cup of single-origin Sumatra.

Kristin Ashurst serves as Senior Vice President and General Counsel as well as Corporate Secretary. She joined Peet’s in 2010 and has held a variety of leadership positions spanning human resources and legal operations. Kristin established and developed the company’s legal function, overseeing areas such as corporate governance, risk management, and legal affairs for Peet’s and its subsidiaries. Among her favorite seasonal selections is Ethiopian Super Natural, a coffee she especially looks forward to each January.

Joris Knauf is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, a position he assumed in February 2024. He is responsible for the company’s financial operations and overall financial management. Before becoming CFO, Joris served as Global Group Controller at JDE Peet’s, joining the organization in 2019. His professional background includes extensive international financial leadership within the global coffee industry. His favorite Peet’s beverage is a Latte Macchiato.

Doug Welsh serves as Senior Vice President and Roastmaster and has been part of Peet’s since 1994. As the company’s third Roastmaster, he oversees coffee quality, sourcing, and sustainability initiatives. Doug has spent years advancing responsible coffee sourcing and has worked closely with Enveritas to develop systems that allow coffee farms to be identified at an individual-tree level while assessing social, environmental, and economic standards. His preferred choice is simple: Peet’s coffee served black.

Piera Bignetti is Vice President of Customer Planning and Analytics and joined Peet’s in 2011. Throughout her career with the company, she has contributed to Insights, Sales, Revenue Management, Operations, Transformation, Integration, and Marketing. Originally from Italy, Piera developed an appreciation for coffee culture early in life while also gaining firsthand exposure to the consumer packaged goods industry through her family’s grocery business. Her academic and professional background combines economics, econometrics, marketing, analytical thinking, and brand development. She enjoys a classic Cappuccino.

Gordon Bitter serves as Senior Vice President of Retail Operations and joined Peet’s in 2023 to lead the Retail Coffeebar business. He brings extensive experience in coffee, technology, and multi-unit operations. Raised in Germany, Gordon previously spent more than ten years with Starbucks, taking on leadership responsibilities across both domestic and international markets and working with company-operated and franchise locations. His favorite Peet’s selection is Guatemala San Sebastián.

Jenn Eckstrom is Vice President of Research and Development and Quality Assurance. She joined Peet’s Coffee in 2025 to lead innovation, quality programs, and food safety across retail and consumer packaged goods. Jenn has built a strong career developing successful products across dairy-free, cultured, frozen, and beverage categories. Her approach combines scientific expertise, consumer understanding, quality management, and disciplined execution. She is also committed to developing strong teams and ensuring that quality remains central to innovation and product craftsmanship. Her favorite Peet’s drink is a Caramel Macchiato.

John Dodge serves as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and joined Peet’s in 2023. His responsibilities cover key areas of supply chain management, including planning, procurement, roasting, and distribution. Before joining Peet’s, John developed much of his career in the chocolate and confectionery industry, working with companies such as Mars, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Lindt & Sprüngli, and See’s Candies. His experience spans the entire supply chain, from agricultural sourcing and production to distribution centers and retail locations. He enjoys a Havana Cappuccino.

Marcia Moran is Senior Vice President of Sales for Consumer Packaged Goods and joined Peet’s in 2023. With more than 25 years of experience in the food industry, she has worked with organizations of varying sizes and brings broad commercial knowledge to her role. Marcia leads the company’s Consumer Packaged Goods and Away From Home sales organizations, including direct-store delivery, account management, sales planning, insights, and strategic development. Her favorite Peet’s beverage is a Dark Chocolate Mocha Latte.

Marie Corso serves as Senior Vice President of Human Resources and has been with Peet’s since 2012. During her tenure, she has taken on expanding responsibilities across the People and Culture organization as the company experienced significant growth. Today, Marie oversees a broad range of human resources functions, including talent acquisition, employee development, benefits, HR business partnerships, engagement, and leadership communications. Her preferred Peet’s order is a sugar-free Vanilla Latte with oat milk.

Together, these leaders represent the experience, creativity, operational knowledge, and passion that support Peet’s Coffee across its many businesses and functions. Their combined expertise helps strengthen the company’s coffee craftsmanship, customer experience, innovation, technology, people, and long-term growth.