Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> March 11, 2003

Patrick O’dea – Peet’s Coffee & Tea Inc (peet)

PATRICK O'DEA is President and Chief Executive Officer of Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc. He oversees the company's business with the vision of providing the freshest, best-tasting specialty coffee in the world. Mr. O'Dea's top business priority is to continue Peet's rapid expansion in the US and internationally, while building on the brand's 'gold standard' specialty coffee position. Mr. O'Dea brings to the position more than 18 years of extensive packaged food and beverage experience. Most recently, as President and Chief Executive of the Mother's and Archway Cookie companies, Mr. O'Dea revitalized the companies' business, significantly growing revenues, profitability and market share by investing behind integrated, brand-building marketing campaigns. Prior to Mother's, Mr. O'Dea was General Manager of the specialty cheese division of Stella Foods, where he developed new initiatives in highly profitable market segments. From 1984 to 1995, Mr. O'Dea was employed by Procter & Gamble, where he successfully managed several of the company's key beverage brands, including Sunny Delight and Crush Soft Drinks, before being appointed Marketing Director of the company's U.S. Snacks division where he had responsibility for the Pringles brand. Mr. O'Dea is a graduate of the University of Albany, New York. Profile
TWST: Would you bring us up to date on Peet's Coffee? What's gone

on over the past year or so that investors should focus on?

Mr. O'Dea: We just finished out a great 2002. Our fourth