Second Cup Coffee hires former McDonald’s executive Kim Rezk as chief of staff and transformation

Kim RezkCourtesy of Second Cup Coffee Company Inc.Second Cup Coffee Co., the international arm of Canadian coffee chain Second Cup, has hired Kim Rezk as chief of staff and transformation as it prepares for international expansion.

Rezk, who is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will focus on building the company's international operating platform and will work with the leadership team on operational standards across Second Cup's global network, the company said.

Rezk spent more than 20 years with McDonald's and has also held roles with Amazon and startups.

"Kim brings exceptional experience in people, leadership and transformation," CEO Joe Walker, who was hired in August, said in a press release.

"There is no better person to help lead the changes and standards we are establishing across Second Cup globally. Her ability to bring people together and turn ambition into action will be invaluable as we build the next chapter of our business."

Second Cup was founded in Toronto in 1975. In 2009, it set up Second Cup Coffee Co. as a separate entity to grow the brand outside Canada. The company franchises cafes in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and other markets and is seeking franchisees.