Joshua Trujillo Starbucks
Starbucks-ceo-change
Kevin Johnson, left, and Howard Schultz
US
Starbucks executive Kevin Johnson will become c.e.o. of the coffee retail giant effective April 3, 2017, as current chairman and c.e.o. Howard Schultz shifts his focus within the company.
Schultz will become executive chairman on the same date and concentrate on the “innovation, design and development” of the Starbucks Reserve roasteries brand and the Reserve retail format, according to a company statement. He also will guide the company’s social impact initiatives.
Schultz retains his role as chairman of the Starbucks board of directors.
As Starbucks president and c.o.o., Johnson has led the company’s core functions since March 2015. He has served on the board since 2009 and will continue to do so.
“Starbucks consistently outperforms the retail industry because our stores, our offerings and the experiences our partners create make us a destination,” Schultz said. “As I focus on Starbucks next wave of retail innovation, I am delighted that Kevin Johnson – our current president, c.o.o., a seven-year board member and my partner in running every facet of Starbucks business over the last two years – has agreed to assume the duties of Starbucks chief executive officer. This move ideally positions Starbucks to continue profitably growing our core business around the world into the future.”