Howard Schultz Transformation Agenda Communication #2
Howard Schultz, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX), today announced the Starbucks leadership team who will be directly responsible for executing the Company’s transformation agenda. The changes are designed to focus the organization on providing customers with a superior Starbucks Experience and building on Starbucks legacy of innovation.
Schultz will continue to work with Martin Coles, chief operating officer; Pete Bocian, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer, and Paula Boggs, executive vice president, Law and Corporate Affairs; as well as the following direct reports in new roles and/or positions:
– Terry Davenport will be promoted to senior vice president, marketing, and will lead a new Marketing and Brand Strategy function. Davenport and his team will be responsible for the Company’s overall marketing plan and calendar, product development, consumer insights and innovation for food and beverage and unifying Starbucks brand to the customer;
– Harry Roberts, a former Starbucks executive, is returning to the Company as senior vice president and chief creative officer. In this newly created role, Roberts and his team will be responsible for the customer in-store experience, including creative expression, merchandise strategy and the overall “look and feel” of the Company’s stores;
– Michelle Gass will assume the role of senior vice president, Global Strategy, office of the ceo, and will work to implement all aspects of the transformation plan;
– Chet Kuchinad has been promoted to executive vice president, Partner Resources, and will lead the Company’s development and execution of its innovative human resources strategy;
– An executive will be hired to lead Global Real Estate Design and Architecture and an executive will be identified to head the Public Affairs function, which includes Global Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility.
With the Company’s renewed focus on customer engagement, Chris Bruzzo has been named to the newly created position of vice president, chief technology officer, and will also serve as acting chief information officer. Bruzzo will leverage technology to create innovative ways for Starbucks to connect with our customers and build loyalty programs. In this capacity, Bruzzo will report to Coles.
“As the leader of this talented senior executive team, I accept full responsibility for and am totally committed to the in-store customer experience,” Schultz said. “I will be directly engaged in ensuring a superior experience for our customers. Everything that touches the customer will be a priority. Change will not happen overnight. It will evolve over time, but I ensure you a positive change will occur. I, along with our dedicated partners (employees), will strive to exceed the expectations of our customers every day.”
About Starbucks
Starbucks Coffee Company provides an uplifting experience that enriches people’s lives one moment, one human being, one extraordinary cup of coffee at a time. To share in the experience, visit www.starbucks.com.
