A new Chief Executive Officer will soon be stepping up to the plate at Starbucks. The coffee chain has named Brian Niccol as its new Chairman and CEO, effective September 9, 2024. Chief Financial Officer Rachel Ruggeri will serve as interim CEO until then, and Board Chair Mellody Hobson will become Lead Independent Director.
"I am excited to join Starbucks and grateful for the opportunity to help steward this incredible company, alongside hundreds of thousands of devoted partners," said Niccol. "I have long-admired Starbucks' iconic brand, unique culture, and commitment to enhancing human connections around the globe. As I embark upon this journey, I am energized by the tremendous potential to drive growth and further enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers and partners, while staying true to our mission and values."
Niccol currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Chipotle. Since becoming CEO in 2018, Niccol has transformed Chipotle, a press release stated. His focus on people and culture, brand, menu innovation, operational excellence, and digital transformation have set new standards in the industry and driven significant growth and value creation.
The new CEO joined Chipotle in March 2018, and became Chairman of the Board in March 2020. Before joining Chipotle, he served as CEO of Taco Bell. Prior to that, he held roles including Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer and President. He also served in leadership roles at Pizza Hut, another division of Yum! Brands. He began his career in brand management at Procter and Gamble.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brian to Starbucks. His phenomenal career speaks for itself. Brian is a culture carrier who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving innovation and growth. Like all of us at Starbucks, he understands that a remarkable customer experience is rooted in an exceptional partner experience,” said Hobson. “Our board believes he will be a transformative leader for our company, our people, and everyone we serve around the world.”
Laxman Narasimhan is stepping down from his role as CEO and as a member of the Starbucks board with immediate effect. During his tenure, he improved the Starbucks partner experience, drove significant innovation in our supply chain, and enhanced our store operations.
For more from the press release, click here.
Congratulations to the new CEO!
