"Now that we have just reported our second consecutive profitable quarter and our operating margins are showing strong improvement, Russ feels, and the board concurs, that he has successfully completed the mission he was brought in to handle," says Paul Heeschen, chairman of the board.
The company hopes to bring in a new CEO with skills that focus on brand management, multichannel sales, new products and high-velocity growth, according to Heeschen.
Phillips will remain CEO of the company to assist in the recruitment of his successor; Diedrich has hired Korn/Ferry International to lead the hunt.
"I have truly enjoyed my time as CEO of Diedrich Coffee and am proud of the significant improvements in the company's growth and operating performance, especially those in the manufacturing area," says Phillips. << PREVIOUS PAGE