Second Cup Hires Kim Rezk to Lead Expansion
The Canadian coffee chain has named Dubai-based Kim Rezk as chief of staff and transformation as it prepares to grow internationally.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Coffee
Second Cup Coffee Co. has hired Kim Rezk as chief of staff and transformation, and is seeking franchisees for international expansion. Rezk is based in Dubai and will help build the company's international operating platform.
Why it matters
The hire signals preparation for expansion beyond Canada into the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe. Standardizing operations across a global franchise network is a central challenge for a brand of this kind.
Kim Rezk brings more than 20 years of McDonald's experience plus roles at Amazon and startups. Second Cup has operated as a separate entity for international growth since 2009, but expansion timelines and franchise targets were not disclosed.
The players
Second Cup Coffee Co.
A Canadian coffee chain founded in Toronto in 1975 that franchises cafes across multiple continents.
Kim Rezk
A Dubai-based executive with over 20 years at McDonald's who has also held roles at Amazon and startups.
Joe Walker
Second Cup's chief executive, hired in August to lead the company's current phase of growth.
The details
Rezk will work with the leadership team on operational standards across Second Cup's global network, while CEO Joe Walker, hired in August, leads the broader business. The company already franchises cafes in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe and is now seeking additional franchisees.
Timeline
August: Joe Walker hired as CEO
2009: Second Cup Coffee Co. set up as a separate entity to grow outside Canada
1975: Second Cup founded in Toronto
Franchise Playbook
Coffee chains expanding abroad typically rely on franchise models, and Second Cup's hiring of a former McDonald's executive with 20-plus years of experience reflects that approach. The move places Second Cup within a broader pattern of quick-service brands applying standardized operating systems to overseas networks.
For coffee drinkers in markets where Second Cup may open franchises, new locations could bring familiar Canadian coffee chain offerings to local neighborhoods. The timeline and locations of such openings have not been announced.
The takeaway
Global coffee expansion depends heavily on operational consistency across borders, which is why chains increasingly hire executives with large-system experience. Readers tracking the cafe industry should watch for franchise announcements that signal new markets.
Further reading
Explore more on Coffee to see how global chains are reshaping the cafe business.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fast Casual.
