Press Contact
Joanie Kim is Starbucks senior vice president and deputy general counsel, Global Retail & Commercial, Law & Corporate Affairs, leading a talented team of partners around the world. Her team drives excellence across Starbucks global retail portfolio in company-operated and licensed markets with a focus on accelerating the evolution and expansion of Starbucks brand presence globally through technology, innovation and strategic partnerships.
Joanie joined Starbucks in 2013 as a director and corporate counsel for the commercial transactions team in Law and Corporate Affairs supporting Starbucks supply chain, sourcing, manufacturing and engineering and logistics teams. During her tenure, Joanie has led the support of a variety of business teams across the enterprise and played a key role in several strategic Starbucks initiatives, including the transformation of Starbucks international retail business, the creation of the Global Coffee Alliance and the expansion of digital customer programs through strategic partnerships and initiatives, including Starbucks Digital Solutions.
Most recently, Joanie served as vice president and assistant general counsel leading the legal teams supporting the company’s international business in the regions of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, Japan and Latin America with a focus on strengthening our strategic thinking, global mindset, and collaborative ways of working across regions.
Prior to joining Starbucks, Joanie was in-house counsel at Nintendo of America supporting its business development, commercial, promotions, and sales and marketing teams. Before Nintendo, Joanie was a partner at Davis Wright Tremaine in the corporate, securities and business transactions practice.
Joanie received her bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from the University of Washington and her juris doctorate from Seattle University School of Law. Joanie is passionate about mentorship, especially of individuals from underrepresented communities. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, nature walks and immersing in Korean culture with her family. Joanie has a wide range of go-to Starbucks beverages depending on the occasion, but a couple of her favorite standbys are an Americano and a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.