African Coffee Roasters CEO Jacob Elsborg steps down
Jacob Elfsborg announces departure as CEO of African Coffee Roasters after seven years, reflecting on growth, challenges, and transformation of Kenya’s coffee roasting sector.
KENYA – Jacob Elsborg is set to step down as Chief Executive Officer of Kenya’s African Coffee Roasters (ACR) after seven years in leadership, marking the end of a tenure defined by operational expansion and strategic transformation in the coffee sector.
In a LinkedIn post, Elsborg confirmed his decision to leave the role, saying the timing felt right despite uncertainty about his next move.
“For some time, I have felt that I needed to move on to something new,” he said. “I have therefore agreed with the Slow Group that I will step down from my role in ACR and the group. It feels like the right moment, even though I do not yet know what comes next, or where it will take me.”
Reflecting on his time at the company, Elsborg described the decision as emotional but necessary after years of intensive leadership.
“After working so intensively with something for so many years, there comes a time when you need something new,” he said. “It has been an absolute privilege to lead the African Coffee Roasters team.”
He highlighted the company culture and achievements during his tenure, noting the development of a competitive and high-performing roasting business.
“When I joined ACR, many people said: ‘You cannot be competitive on price and quality while roasting at origin — and you will never be profitable,’” he said. “We proved that statement wrong. We built a world-class roastery, a unique business model, and a truly special team.”
Elsborg also thanked employees for their contribution to the company’s growth, adding that he would cherish his remaining time before departure.
African Coffee Roasters, founded in 2016, operates as a premium coffee roaster providing wholesale and private-label services.
In 2025, its ownership transitioned when the Coop and the Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU) agreed to sell the business to Slow Group, a Danish coffee company focused on sustainable coffee production.
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