The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf  has named Andrew Nathan as senior VP for Asia Pacific.

In what is a newly created role, Nathan will be the primary driver of the company’s growth opportunities in Asia, including responsibility for company operations in Singapore and Malaysia. He takes over duties of Victor Sassoon, co-owner and CEO of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Asia Pacific, who remains on the company’s board.

Based in Singapore, Nathan will report to John Dawson, president and CEO.

Nathan has nearly 20 years of experience in the specialty coffee business and with leading and growing brands in Asia. He began his international career working with the US Peace Corps and the American Red Cross and has held regional franchise and corporate market leadership positions for such global brands as Starbucks Coffee and Domino’s Pizza.

During his tenure as owner and CEO of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Asia Pacific, Victor Sassoon opened more than 100 stores in Singapore and Malaysia and oversaw franchise expansion to 550 stores in over 25 countries spanning Asia and the Middle East.

In September 2013, Advent International, CDIB Capital and Mirae Asset Private Equity joined forces to acquire an equity stake in the business. Together with the Sassoon family, who remain substantial shareholders, they are working to accelerate the brand’s growth and international expansion.

“We’ve worked very hard over nearly 20 years to grow and nurture this great brand,” said Victor Sassoon. “It’s been highly rewarding and I value the relationships I’ve developed with our franchisees, developers and team members during my tenure as CEO of Asia Pacific. I look forward to my continued involvement as a board member and have full confidence in Andrew as he takes on the leadership role in Asia Pacific.”