Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz to Step Down

By Taylor Knight

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is stepping down from that position effective April 3. However, he’s not leaving the company completely — he will become executive chairman, focusing on innovating the company's premium offerings and on social impact. The company’s current COO, Kevin Johnson, will take over the chief executive reins when Schultz steps down. Schultz told CNN, “Given the state of things in the country, there's a need to help those left behind."

Total Retail’s Take: Johnson, who joined Starbucks’ management team in 2015 and served on the board since 2009, seems like a great choice for CEO when Schultz steps down. The COO has technology experience and spearheaded efforts to integrate mobile pay apps into Starbucks’ customer experience and operations. Schultz, also, isn’t leaving the company, so his ideas and voice will still be reflected in the iconic brand.

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Taylor Knight Author's page Taylor Knight is an associate content editor for Target Marketing and Total Retail. She enjoys writing and creating video content to interact with an audience.