Press Contact
May Jensen is the senior vice president of Partner and Labor Relations for Starbucks. In her role, May is responsible for leading the Partner Relations and Labor Relations teams to support teams to lead through complex matters with dignity and respect for Starbucks partners (employees). Her focus is to proactively uplift the Starbucks partner experience through activating the most important strategic partner and business unit initiatives. She is a member of the Partner Resources (Human Resources) leadership team and contributes to strategic initiatives as an advocate for all partners.
In 2012, May first joined the company as a director, Partner Resources, supporting regions in California and Arizona. After broadening projects and roles, May was promoted in 2016 to vice president, Partner Resources, supporting U.S. Retail Operations for the Western United States. She later supported U.S. and Latin America Licensed Stores, Siren Retail, North America Operations Services and led the cross-functional team supporting the Partner Experience during the COVID pandemic until late 2021. With a high expectation of doing what is best for Starbucks partners and customers, she shares that passion with her team and filters every decision through that lens.
Prior to Starbucks, May spent over 15 years in human resources and labor relations with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, and Laguna Beach, California. She returned to Las Vegas for two years as the Vice President, Human Resources with The Light Group. Her proudest accomplishments during these times include building futures for others, inspiring change in mindsets, and finding solutions to drive the business forward.
May is originally from central California yet grew up in Tahoe City. She graduated from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a B.S. in hospitality administration and an emphasis in human resources. May and her husband live with their son in Huntington Beach, California. May’s favorite Starbucks beverage is a venti Black Iced Tea, no water, no sweetener. She loves a cup of Starbucks Casi Cielo® and is always happy to share her stories about Guatemala.