Rob Darby

Rob Darby is the co-founder, CEO, and former Managing Director of 200 Degrees Coffee Roasters, a UK-based specialty coffee company.

Background and Education

• Rob Darby graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) from the University of Nottingham.2

Career

• Darby co-founded 200 Degrees Coffee Roasters in 2012 along with Tom Vincent, after they struggled to find high-quality coffee for their bistros. The company started as a small operation in a garage in Nottingham and has since grown into a prominent coffee roaster and café chain.136
• He has held various roles within the company, including CEO and Managing Director. Under his leadership, 200 Degrees expanded to over 20 coffee shops across England and Wales, established seven Barista schools, and developed a strong wholesale and e-commerce business.137

Achievements

• Rob Darby was recognized as one of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2023, a program that champions medium-sized business leaders who are driving growth and innovation in the UK.1
• During his tenure, 200 Degrees won multiple awards for its coffee, team culture, and leadership.1

Post-Acquisition Plans

• In October 2024, 200 Degrees Coffee was acquired by The Nero Group. Following the sale, Rob Darby has expressed his intention to focus on helping small hospitality businesses grow, investing in them, and supporting their development. He also plans to spend more time on personal projects, such as making oak furniture from his woodland.456

Personal Remarks

• Darby has consistently credited the success of 200 Degrees to his passionate and skilled team, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the company's growth and reputation.14