TH International, the parent company of the exclusive master franchisees of Tim Hortons coffee shops in China (Tims China), has appointed Kwok Wah Cheung as its new CEO.

Effective 15 June 2026, Cheung will succeed Yongchen Lu, who will step down as CEO and take on the role of chairman.

In this new role, Cheung will oversee group operations and implement board-approved strategies. This includes emphasis on localisation, innovation, community building and improved convenience through store formats, digital channels and delivery.

He has more than 20 years of leadership experience in China’s consumer sector, including as CEO of cookware and appliance maker Supor.

His previous roles also include executive director at dairy company China Feihe; chairman and CEO of Nestlé’s Greater China Region; and global president of Wyeth Nutrition.

Earlier in his career, Cheung also served in senior positions at the Coca-Cola Company and Procter & Gamble.

As chairman, Lu will work with Cheung to manage the transition.

Lu said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chairman. I remain as engaged and committed to the company’s long-term success as ever and I am excited to work with Cheung to drive the next phase of growth for Tims China.”

Current chairman Peter Yu will step down from the role but remain on the board as a director.

TH International said in a statement: “The board extends its sincere appreciation to Mr Yu and Mr Lu for their invaluable guidance, strategic vision and strong execution over the past eight years.”

Tims China opened its first store in 2019. By the end of March 2026, it had grown to 1,026 system-wide stores across 93 cities in mainland China.