SEATTLE — Starbucks Corporation has announced the upcoming retirement of CEO Kevin Johnson, effective April 4, 2022, marking the end of a 13-year career with the global coffee giant, including the last five years at its helm. Johnson, who led the company through a period of digital transformation and unprecedented pandemic challenges, will remain with Starbucks in a transitional role as a special consultant to the company and its Board of Directors through September.
In a move that underscores Starbucks’ emphasis on continuity and deep-rooted leadership, company founder and former CEO Howard Schultz will return as interim CEO. Schultz, whose vision shaped Starbucks into a worldwide brand, will lead the company while the Board of Directors conducts a thorough search for a permanent successor.
Johnson’s leadership tenure was defined by strategic innovation and resilience. One of his most notable achievements was the rapid expansion of Starbucks’ digital infrastructure. Under his watch, the company significantly boosted its mobile ordering and delivery capabilities, which became pivotal as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped consumer behavior. The Starbucks Rewards loyalty program grew to nearly 45 million members across the U.S. and China, cementing its role as a core driver of customer engagement and sales.
“Kevin has exhibited remarkable leadership throughout his time at Starbucks, particularly during one of the most challenging periods in recent history,” said Mellody Hobson, Independent Starbucks Board of Directors Chair. “His focus on long-term growth and his unwavering commitment to our partners and customers have helped us navigate the pandemic and emerge stronger.”
Johnson joined Starbucks in 2009 as a board member before stepping into operational roles. He was named president and chief operating officer in 2015 and took over as CEO from Howard Schultz in 2017. His tenure coincided with significant shifts in the retail landscape, which he met by prioritizing drive-thru innovations, store format optimization, and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
As Schultz returns to the leadership role, he brings a storied legacy and a strong sense of Starbucks’ brand ethos. Schultz previously led Starbucks from 1987 to 2000, overseeing its early expansion, and again from 2008 to 2017, when he guided the company through the Great Recession and focused on social impact initiatives such as expanding employee benefits and college education access.
“I am honored to return to Starbucks during this transitional period,” Schultz said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the team to ensure our company continues to serve its mission and uphold its values during a time of great change in the retail and consumer landscape.”
The leadership transition occurs at a critical juncture for Starbucks, which, like many companies, is navigating ongoing challenges in labor relations, inflationary pressures, and global supply chain disruptions. Recently, the company has seen an increase in unionization efforts at several U.S. locations, prompting broader discussions about worker rights and corporate responsibility.
Schultz’s return may also signal a recalibration of Starbucks’ long-term strategy, especially as the company reconsiders its store formats, environmental goals, and international expansion. The interim CEO role allows Schultz to guide Starbucks through this transition, leveraging his institutional knowledge and long-standing relationships with stakeholders.
The Starbucks Board has retained a global executive search firm to identify and evaluate potential CEO candidates, with the goal of selecting a leader who can sustain the company’s momentum and align with its mission-driven culture. No specific timeline has been given for when a permanent CEO will be appointed.
As the company moves forward, Starbucks customers and employees alike will be watching closely to see how the transition unfolds and what direction the iconic coffee brand will take under both Schultz’s temporary guidance and future leadership.
