Popular bubble tea franchise, Gong Cha, has recently undergone a significant restructuring of its top-tier management. This move is intended to bolster the company’s framework, enabling it to better support continued growth across its principal markets.
Keaton Myburgh, who joined Gong Cha in 2023, has been appointed as the new General Manager for the Asia-Pacific region (APAC). In his time with Gong Cha, Myburgh has shown exceptional leadership in assisting franchise partners and managing regional operations. His new role will extend his responsibility to ensuring operational excellence, regional development, and brand consistency across the APAC region.
For the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, Gong Cha has appointed Jemma Smoker as the General Manager. Smoker, who also joined the company in 2023, will assume responsibility for overseeing regional operations and the development of the brand within the region.
On a similar note, Gong Cha has also broadened its marketing team. Sepanta Bagherpour has taken on the role of Chief Marketing Officer for the Americas and EMEA regions. Bagherpour brings to the table over two decades of experience in marketing and communications, working with global brands.
Moreover, Gong Cha has announced the promotions of Maya Murasawa and Jina Jeeyoung C. Murasawa will now serve as the Head of Marketing in Japan while Jeeyoung C has been named the Chief Marketing Officer for South Korea and APAC. These appointments underscore Gong Cha’s commitment to customer-focused, locally relevant marketing strategies.
These reshuffles come on the back of the company’s launch of Gong Cha 2.0, a global revamp of the company’s business model. This new model aims to bolster efficiency across its franchise network.
What is the goal of Gong Cha’s recent leadership restructuring?
Gong Cha has reshaped its senior leadership team to strengthen its organizational structure and support its growth across key markets.
Who are the newly appointed leaders in Gong Cha’s team?
Keaton Myburgh has been appointed as the General Manager for the APAC region and Jemma Smoker for the EMEA region. Sepanta Bagherpour has joined as the Chief Marketing Officer for the Americas and EMEA. Maya Murasawa and Jina Jeeyoung C have been promoted within the marketing department in Japan and South Korea and APAC respectively.
What is Gong Cha 2.0?
Gong Cha 2.0 is a global update to the company’s operating model aimed at improving efficiency across its franchise network.
