The premium doughnut and specialty coffee chain’s next phase of growth requires ‘an expert CEO’ following its recent expansion outside of London, says co-founder Adam Wills
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A Crosstown store in Shoreditch, London | Photo credit: Crosstown
London-based Crosstown has appointed Howard Ebison as CEO as it embarks upon a new period of growth.
Crosstown co-founder Adam Wills, who is stepping down as the company’s CEO, said Ebison will put new structures and processes in place to allow Crosstown’s ‘next phase of growth to be safe and profitable’.
“Crosstown has now grown to the point that it needs an expert CEO in place with a different set of skills to the ones that I possess. So, I am really proud to announce that we have managed to secure the services of Howard Ebison as the new CEO at Crosstown. Howard will be looking to continue the growth that we have achieved over the last nine years, putting the additional structure and processes in place to allow the next phase of growth to be safe and profitable,” he said.
Wills, who founded Crosstown alongside JP Then in 2014, will retain his seat on Crosstown’s board.
Since launching as a market stall in London, the luxury doughnut and specialty coffee chain has grown to 15 outlets across the UK, including four outside of London.
Having opened its first store outside of London in Cambridge in November 2021, Crosstown has debuted in Oxford, Brighton and Bristol within the last 12 months.
The company also operates four trucks and six market stands across London, alongside a concession kiosk at Swingers’ two crazy golf venues in the capital.
“Taking over from a founder is a privilege and I’m thrilled to be joining the company. Thanks to Adam Wills and the team for such a warm welcome. I’m looking forward to working with the whole team to understand the business and help it move forwards into its next chapter,” Ebison said.
He joins Crosstown from London-based property development and investment company Hammerson, where he served as Managing Director of Asset Management. The former Apprentice contestant also previously held commercial leadership roles at Manchester Airport Group.