NEW BREW: Starbucks onboards Brian Niccol as chairman-CEO

SEATTLE: Starbucks has announced that Brian Niccol has been appointed chairman and CEO. Niccol will start in his new role on September 9, 2024. Till then, Starbucks chief financial officer, Rachel Ruggeri, will serve as interim ceo. Mellody Hobson, Starbucks board chair, will become lead independent director.

Niccol currently serves as chairman-CEO of Chipotle. Since becoming CEO in 2018, he has transformed Chipotle. 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. Revenue has nearly doubled, profits have increased nearly sevenfold, and the stock price has increased by nearly 800 per cent during his leadership, all while increasing wages for retail team members, expanding benefits, and strengthening the culture.

“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.”

“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 energised 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.”

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.

“On behalf of the board, I want to sincerely thank Laxman for his contributions to Starbucks, and his dedication to our people and brand,” said Hobson. “In the face of some challenging headwinds, Laxman has been laser focused on improving the business to meet the needs of our customers and partners. We all wish him the very best and know he will do great things in the future.”

Niccol joined Chipotle as CEO and a director in March 2018, and became chairman of the Board in March 2020. Before joining Chipotle, he served as chief executive of Taco Bell. Before becoming CEO 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.

Niccol currently serves on the board of directors of Walmart Inc. He previously served on the board of KB Home and Harley-Davidson. Niccol holds an undergraduate degree from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

“Having followed Brian’s leadership and transformation journey at Chipotle, I’ve long admired his leadership impact. His retail excellence and track record in delivering extraordinary shareholder value recognises the critical human element it takes to lead a culture and values driven enterprise. I believe he is the leader Starbucks needs at a pivotal moment in its history. He has my respect and full support,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks founder and chairman emeritus.

Ruggeri is a 23-year Starbucks partner. She has been cfo since 2021.