Filterfresh Coffee Service Inc., a subsidiary of Van Houtte Inc., announced that Roger Cohen, president since 2002, will retire at the close of the company's fiscal year in 2006. David C. Larimer joined the company in November, 2005 as executive vice president, and transition to president upon Cohen's departure. Cohen will continue to remain active with the company as a member of its board of directors. Larimer brings to Filterfresh 22 years of retail experience with a proven track record in sales, marketing, operations, business development and franchise. He has achieved results in several environments, ranging from start-up ventures to mature businesses and turnaround situations. He has held positions of increasing responsibility with major corporations such as Mobil Oil and Priceline.com, as well as with several start-ups. Larimer earned a B.A. in economics from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

"Thanks to the scope of David's background, his appointment as Roger Cohen's successor will not only address the short term needs of the company but also ensure its continued growth and profitability," said Jean-Yves Monette, president and CEO of Van Houtte and chairman of the Filterfresh board.

Cohen's association with Filterfresh began in 1988 when he and his wife started one of the original 13 Filterfresh franchises in the U.S. Cohen was the founding president of the Filterfresh Independent Franchise Association and chaired the joint Filterfresh Corporation/Franchisee Marketing Council. In 1999, with the sale of his Filterfresh franchise to Filterfresh Coffee Service Inc., Cohen assumed the position of vice president, Filterfresh Coffee Service Inc., in which he provided leadership over the Filterfresh Franchise Program, as well as the Franchise community. In 2002, he became president of Filterfresh.
http://www.amonline.com/article/article.jsp?id ...