Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks
A visionary leader who transformed the coffee industry
Early life and career
Howard Schultz was born in 1953 in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a working-class family and attended Northern Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in communications.
After graduating from college, Schultz worked as a salesman for Xerox. In 1981, he joined Starbucks, a small coffee roaster and retailer with six stores in Seattle.
Transforming Starbucks
Schultz quickly rose through the ranks at Starbucks, and in 1987, he became the company's CEO. Under his leadership, Starbucks underwent a period of rapid growth and transformation.
Schultz introduced a new store format that emphasized customer experience and created a sense of community. He also expanded Starbucks' product line to include food and beverages, and he launched a successful loyalty program.
Global expansion
Under Schultz's leadership, Starbucks became a global brand. The company opened stores in over 60 countries and became the world's largest coffeehouse chain.
Schultz stepped down as CEO of Starbucks in 2000, but he returned to the company in 2008 to lead it through the financial crisis.
Legacy
Howard Schultz is widely credited with transforming Starbucks from a small coffee roaster into a global brand. He is a visionary leader who revolutionized the coffee industry.
Schultz's legacy includes:
- Creating a customer-centric culture at Starbucks
- Expanding Starbucks' product line to include food and beverages
- Launching a successful loyalty program
- Opening Starbucks stores in over 60 countries
Retirement
Howard Schultz retired from Starbucks in 2018. He remains a member of the company's board of directors.
In retirement, Schultz has focused on his philanthropic work and his writing. He is the author of several books, including "Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul" and "Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time."
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