Former Sam's Club CEO Rosalind Brewer Joins Starbucks as Group President & COO
SEATTLE, WA - Former Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer has been named as the new Group President and COO of Starbucks, according to a company press release. Effective October 2, Brewer will act as the leader of the operating businesses across the Americas. In addition, Brewer will take charge of product innovation, store development organizations, and supply chain.
“As a passionate customer of the brand and recently elected board member, I have a deep love and admiration for the Starbucks brand and its people. I am so honored to have the pleasure of working with the Starbucks leadership team to realize our highest of aspirations for the company and I look forward to working closely with the astute and talented leaders across the enterprise,” commented Brewer.
She has repeatedly been recognized as one of the world’s most powerful women, ranking #19 by Fortune (2016) and #57 by Forbes (2016). She also sits on the board of directors for Lockheed Martin Corporation and chairs the Board of Trustees at Spelman.
Brewer earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Spelman College and attended an advanced management program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Brewer brings with her extensive insight on large-scale operations and supply chain logistics based on her past senior leadership positions which includes five years with Sam’s Club, the $56 billion members-only warehouse club channel of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., six years in executive roles for Wal-Mart and 22 years at Kimberly-Clark.
“Starbucks is a culture-first company focused on performance and Roz is a world class operator and executive who embodies the values of Starbucks. She has been a trusted strategic counselor to me ever since she joined our Board of Directors, and I deeply value her insight, business acumen, and leadership expertise. Roz is the right leader to help us realize our greatest of ambitions in this next chapter of our journey,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO. “I am honored that Roz is joining Starbucks in this capacity and playing an important role with an accomplished team of senior leaders that reflects the strength and diversity of our organization.”
Brewer will report to Johnson and serve as a member of Starbucks senior leadership team. She will also continue to serve on the Starbucks Board of Directors.
With the chains penchant for innovation and the introduction of a variety of new produce-influenced menu offerings, how will this new appointment foster growth in the global company? Follow along with AndNowUKnow as we bring you the latest.
