Sunny Sassoon assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer at International Coffee & Tea, LLC on December 19, 1998. Mr. Sassoon participated in the development of the company's strategic and growth plan, which took it from about 30 stores in 1998 to over 600 stores in 2007. Beginning in 2008, Mr. Sassoon continues to participate in the development of the company's strategic plan and serves as Executive Chairman.

Mel has been instrumental in the strategic positioning and dynamic expansion of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® ("the Company"), helping lead the Company's growth from 60 to over 600 stores worldwide since 1999. As president, he is now responsible for setting strategy and directing the day-to-day operations of the Company’s global brand and business.

Prior to joining the Company, Mel was the director of development for the Sunvic Group, overseeing the development and operations for Tower Records and Sunvic’s The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchise in Malaysia.

Mel completed his Law studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). He was admitted to the Bar of both the Middle Temple in England and the High Court of the Republic of Singapore where he practiced as an advocate and solicitor for a number of years.

Terry is responsible for the Company's legal, human resources, real estate and global supply chain initiatives and maintains an active role in the Company's overall leadership. Terry joined the Company in February 2004 as its charter general counsel.

Prior to joining the Company, Terry was a partner at Johnson & Mansky where he represented a variety of retail clients, including Krause's Furniture Inc., Wells Fargo Bank and International Coffee & Tea, LLC.

Terry completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California and received his J.D. from Loyola University School of Law, where he was a member of the Loyola Law Review in the 1978-1979 academic year.

As Vice President of Business Development, Bob manages the U.S. and international franchise development and operations, including special distribution stores in airports, grocery and third-party retail outlets. Additionally, Bob oversees the Specialty Sales division of the Company, which encompasses grocery retail, office coffee services, and restaurant / food service.

Prior to joining the Company in 2006, Bob spent the previous 12 years as senior vice president of business development and managing director of international for Tower Records, where he developed and operated several business units including their international franchise business.

Bob has lived in several countries and speaks 4 languages. He has a BA in Asian Studies from The University of California at Santa Barbara, and a degree in Chinese language from Peking University in Beijing.

Paul is responsible for planning, procurement, manufacturing and product distribution worldwide to the Company stores in 20 countries. He is an integral part of the executive team, bringing contemporary solutions to supply chain and business issues within the Company.

Paul has more than 25 years experience directing all facets of supply chain operations for major multi-unit businesses including Frito-Lay; Allied Domeq units (Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin Donuts and Togos brands); and Pick Up Stix Restaurants.

Paul holds a BS in business administration with an emphasis in production/logistics operations from California State University, Fresno.

Jay is responsible for selecting the best green coffee beans available from the world's finest growing regions, as well as for all coffee and tea manufacturing, for warehousing and distribution worldwide. He oversees the blending and roasting of all coffee on-site at the Company’s Camarillo, CA facility.

In 1984, Jay began his career with Hillside Coffee. He then held operations management and buying positions at Brother's Gourmet, Gloria Jean's, Coffee People Worldwide and Diedrich Coffee. With his breadth of coffee experience he has developed a reputation for expertise in the industry.

Jay was a founding member of the Roasters Guild, is a volunteer instructor for the SCAA and is a certified judge for the Cup of Excellence® program run by A.C.E. Jay is also a licensed Q grader, and an APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional.

David joined the Company in 1997. As buyer, master blender and senior manager of tea, Dave is responsible for sourcing, development and internal education on tea. He travels the world to source the finest ingredients from countries such as Sri Lanka, India, China and Taiwan. He is a driving force in giving back to the origin countries in which we do business.

Prior to joining the Company, David spent 13 years at Halliburton where he was involved with industry sales, service and managerial distribution.

He holds a Bachelors degree in business from California State University, Northridge.