AJ Jones II

Aranthan “AJ” Jones II is executive vice president, chief corporate affairs officer for Starbucks. He leads the company’s Global Government Affairs and Public Policy divisions, as well as Community Impact, Social Impact, Starbucks Foundation, Starbucks Alumni and corporate philanthropy functions worldwide.   

AJ co-leads the company’s continued expansion in international and emerging markets through public-private partnerships and government-focused initiatives. He also serves as the lead executive for the Starbucks Board of Directors’ Environmental, Partner and Community Impact Committee which governs the company’s work globally and advances investor engagement in these areas. He is a governing member of the company’s Global Brand Council, co-chair of the Global Environmental and Social Compliance Steering Committee, co-chair of the International Risk & Resiliency Oversight Committee, executive sponsor of the Armed Forces Partner Network and a member of The Starbucks Foundation’s Board of Directors.  

Previously, AJ served as executive vice president and chief communications officer of Public Affairs for Starbucks, where he led global, brand, retail, corporate, partner (employee) communications and entertainment divisions worldwide.  

Before joining Starbucks in 2021, AJ was the Chief Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer for Vanda Pharmaceuticals, where he led the communications, investor relations, government affairs, corporate branding, sustainability and served as an executive member of the company’s corporate development and licensing review committee.   

Previously, AJ held several executive roles at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, leading the organization’s internal and external communications, thought leadership and public policy initiative, and celebrity entertainment partnerships.   

Prior to his corporate and philanthropic roles, he was a global agency executive at Burson and the Podesta Group advising Fortune 500 companies and multilateral institutions. He also served as the policy director for U.S. Congressional leadership in Majority Whip James Clyburn’s office, where he crafted more than 200 pieces of legislation, 142 of which became law.  

AJ is a standing guest lecturer at Harvard University, a Forbes Communications Council executive member, Washington Economic Club advisory board member, Fast Company Executive Board member, and a member of Iowa State University’s Liberal Arts and Sciences College Dean’s Advisory Council and the National Fair Housing Alliance.   

AJ has worked extensively internationally, including Hong Kong, South Africa, Germany, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and France. He holds a B.S. in sociology and anthropology from Iowa State University. He received his graduate training in global health policy from George Washington University and master’s in business administration training from Cornell University.  

His favorite Starbucks beverages are Iced Jade Citrus Mint tea and a hot cup of brewed Blonde Espresso Roast.