Tim Hortons appoints new Chief Operating Officer

Tim Hortons is Canada’s largest branded coffee chain with over 3,880 stores | Photo credit: Erik Mclean

Tim Hortons has promoted Naira Saeed as its new Chief Operating Officer as it gears up for a return to annual net outlet growth in Canada this year. 
 

Saeed joined the Ontario-based coffee chain in 2017 as Head of Finance and has held several senior management roles, most recently serving as Vice President of Finance since January 2023.  

As Chief Operating Officer, Saeed will oversee Tim Hortons’ store operations and franchise development across Canada. She will report to Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons Canada and US, and succeeds Matt Moore who had been in post since February 2022.  

“Naira is a trusted leader among our restaurant owners who understands the importance of great operations and restaurant profitability. I’m very excited to see all her experience come together to excel in this very important role, including the exciting development opportunities we have in many communities across Canada,” said Schwan. 
 

Founded in 1964, Tim Hortons is Canada’s largest branded coffee chain with over 3,880 stores. The Restaurant Brands International-backed business also operates more than 650 stores in the US and a further 1,500 stores across 20 international markets. 

Restaurant Brands International posted 5.4% year-on-year group sales growth in 2024 to reach $44.47bn, with Tim Hortons cited as key performer. The QSR group currently operates 32,125 outlets globally across its licensed foodservice portfolio, which also includes the Burger King, Popeyes, Firehouse Subs fast-food chains.