Starbucks has announced a series of leadership changes effective of 1 April, including the appointment of Michael Conway in the newly created role of CEO, North America.
Conway currently serves as Group President of International and Channel Development, and has been a Starbucks partner since 2013.
“We are making strong progress against our Triple Shot with Two Pumps Reinvention plan,” says Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan.
“To further accelerate progress, consistent with our ambitions, we are realigning the organisation to balance clear geographical focus with investing in functional capabilities to scale around the world, generating productivity and reinvigorating our partner culture.”
Starbucks intends to expand to 55,000 stores globally as part of the company’s Triple Shot with Two Pumps Reinvention plan, leading to the appointment of several regional leaders.
Sara Trilling will remain Executive Vice President of Starbucks North America, focusing on enhancing the retail partner experience while growing the region’s store portfolio.
Brady Brewer has been appointed CEO of Starbucks International, while Belinda Wong and Molly Liu will continue in their roles as Co-CEOs of Starbucks China.
Starbucks will not replace the Global Chief Marketing position most recently occupied by Brewer, and will instead adopt a system in which each geographic CEO will have regional marketing support.
Lyne Castonguay will join Starbucks in the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Chief Merchant and Product Officer.
In addition, Starbucks intends to soon appoint a global brand creative leader that will report to Narasimhan.
“As we look to the future, the opportunity we have is truly limitless,” says Narasimhan.
“Throughout our history, we have continued to reinvent not who we are or what we stand for, but what we do and how we connect with our customers and deliver our long-term aspirations. Because of our partners, and with our strategic plan and world class-leadership team, the best days of Starbucks are ahead of us.”
