Starbucks Makes Organizational Changes; Cliff Burrows To Head Siren Retail
Starbucks Chairman and CEO said yesterday in a message to employees, "As I look to our next quarter and beyond, I am filled with an exceptional level of determination and optimism about the future of the company. Together we have created a global brand and an iconic retail experience that has resonated with customers and succeeded all over the world. And we have built a company based on a set of values and guiding principles that have endured over time.
Recently, our senior leadership team and the Starbucks Board of Directors approved a long-term strategic plan that will further elevate the company. Today, we are announcing a set of organizational changes so we may begin the next phase of our growth and development. These changes will ensure we continue to reaffirm our leadership in all things coffee, enhance the partner experience and exceed the expectations of our customers and shareholders while using our scale for good to maximize our social impact. In the new organizational structure, I will continue to work side-by-side with Matt Ryan on strategy, whose intelligence and insight I deeply value.
I also will work directly with Cliff Burrows, whose new role will include overseeing the global expansion of the Roastery, as well as the development of Starbucks Reserve stores. In addition, I'll be working closely with Liz Muller, whose creative genius is already focused on new Roasteries in New York City, Shanghai and other cities yet to be announced; Andy Adams, who is doing a fantastic job leading global real estate and development; and Vivek Varma, a trusted advisor who is a relentless force in bringing our social conscience and values to life. Cliff's move in particular is a big change, and I am delighted that, after eight years of successfully leading the Americas business, he will head up a new retail group we are calling Siren Retail.
In addition to the Roastery and Reserve stores, Cliff will be responsible for building out the Princi organization, including stand-alone Princi stores, and growing the Teavana business globally. ohn Culver, a 14-year Starbucks partner whose talent and character are widely respected, will assume the role of group president, Starbucks Global Retail, with responsibility for Starbucks retail sales around the world. Reporting directly to John will be the senior leaders overseeing the EMEA and CAP regions, as well as the Americas company-operated and licensed stores."
Disclosure: None.