Leadership transition at the Tim Hortons master franchise operator in China comes as the network surpasses 1,000 stores across 93 cities
TH International Limited (Tims China), the exclusive master franchisee and operator of the Tim Hortons brand in mainland China, has appointed Kwok Wah Cheung as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 15, 2026. He succeeds Yongchen Lu, who will transition to the role of Chairman as part of a planned leadership succession.
The appointment marks a significant leadership change for one of Asia’s fastest-growing coffee franchise operators. Tims China, which opened its first store in 2019, has expanded to 1,026 system-wide stores across 93 cities in mainland China as of March 31, 2026, making it one of the largest international coffee franchise networks in the country.
Cheung brings more than two decades of leadership experience across China’s consumer goods, food, beverage, and nutrition sectors. Prior to joining Tims China, he served as CEO of cookware and appliance manufacturer Supor and held senior leadership positions at China Feihe, Nestlé Greater China, Wyeth Nutrition, The Coca-Cola Company, and Procter & Gamble.
In his new role, Cheung will oversee group operations and execute the board’s growth strategy, with a focus on localization, product innovation, community engagement, and enhancing customer convenience through evolving store formats, digital channels, and delivery services.
Commenting on the transition, Yongchen 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.”
As part of the governance changes, current Chairman Peter Yu will step down from the chairmanship while remaining on the company’s board of directors. The company said the board extends its appreciation to both Yu and Lu for their leadership and execution during the business’s rapid expansion over the past eight years.
The leadership reshuffle comes at a pivotal stage for the franchise business. Under Lu’s leadership since 2019, Tims China has built a nationwide footprint and developed a loyalty ecosystem exceeding 35 million members, strengthening the Tim Hortons brand’s position in the highly competitive Chinese coffee market.
For the global franchising sector, Cheung’s appointment signals Tims China’s continued emphasis on scaling its franchise-led growth model while leveraging deep local market expertise. His extensive experience across multinational consumer brands is expected to support the company’s next phase of expansion, innovation, and operational excellence in one of the world’s most dynamic coffee markets.
