The Second Cup Coffee Company Inc. has appointed Joe Walker as Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 August 2026. The company announced the appointment as it continues to expand its international franchise network, with the Middle East set to play a central role in its growth strategy. He is based in UAE.
Walker will be based primarily in the Middle East while continuing to oversee the company’s global headquarters in Canada. According to The Second Cup Coffee Company Inc., his appointment supports the company’s plans to strengthen its international presence and deepen collaboration with regional franchise partners.
Joe Walker brings international QSR leadership experience
Walker joins The Second Cup Coffee Company Inc. after leading Wingstop’s expansion across the GCC. Before that, he held a senior leadership position at Yolk Brands and served as a director at Starbucks. He also built his career with McDonald’s and KFC.
The company said Walker’s experience across international food and beverage brands, together with his operational background in the GCC, made him the preferred candidate to lead the business through its next phase of international growth.
The Board of Directors said Walker has demonstrated experience in growing established restaurant brands and managing multinational operations.
According to Walker’s professional profile, he has led businesses across the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, with experience in operations, financial performance, marketing strategy and people leadership.
Leadership focus includes culture and global collaboration
Walker said one of his priorities will be strengthening collaboration across the company’s international operations while building a culture centred on accountability and teamwork.
“It is a true privilege to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer,” Walker said.
Walker described Second Cup as an established coffee brand with a strong foundation built on premium coffee and guest hospitality. He said he intends to build a more connected and collaborative culture across the company’s global network.
Walker also said the company’s Canadian heritage remains an important part of its identity. However, he added that future growth will depend on becoming more deeply connected with the communities it serves across international markets.
Middle East to serve as a global operating hub
The Second Cup Coffee Company Inc. said Walker will lead the development of the Middle East as one of the company’s core international hubs while continuing to oversee its Canadian operations.
The company also said it plans to work closely with regional partners as it expands its international franchise network.
Walker said the company is interested in connecting with qualified franchise partners who share its vision for growing the Second Cup brand in markets around the world.
Company outlines leadership priorities
In a joint statement, the Board of Directors welcomed Walker to the leadership team and said his operational experience and international background align with the company’s long term growth plans.
The board highlighted Walker’s leadership experience across multinational restaurant brands and his track record in the GCC. According to the company, those capabilities will support the continued development of its global franchise network.
Founded in Canada, The Second Cup Coffee Company Inc. operates as a global specialty coffee franchise with an international footprint. The company said Walker’s appointment forms part of its ongoing international expansion strategy.
