Starbucks has announced that its current president and CEO, Kevin Johnson, will retire – effective 4 April. Howard Schultz, who was the coffee chain’s CEO prior to Johnson, will serve as interim CEO.
Johnson is stepping down after 13 years with the company. He first joined Starbucks in 2009 as a director before being promoted to president and COO in 2015, and president and CEO in 2017.
Schultz will serve as the company’s interim CEO until a suitable replacement is found. Starbucks says Schultz is “singularly qualified,” having served as the company’s CEO in 1987-2000 and 2008-2017. He will also rejoin the company’s board of directors.
Mellody Hobson, independent Starbucks board of directors chair, said: “Kevin and the entire executive team stepped up to the challenge of the pandemic and navigated one of the most difficult periods in modern history. The economic certainty provided to partners during the early months of the Covid shut down, as well as during mandatory quarantines, underscores our core values and will be an enduring legacy for the company.”
She continued: “As the company navigates the aftermath of the pandemic and socio-economic forces impacting the lives of all our stakeholders, Howard will reinforce the company’s culture, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to innovating and executing on our core purpose and reason for being: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time.”
By Rafaela Sousa
Source: foodbev.com
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
