Starbucks’ Schultz Handing Reins to Lieutenant Kevin Johnson
- Technology veteran to take CEO job at coffee chain in April
- Schultz built up Starbucks empire during two terms as CEO
Starbucks’ Schultz to Step Down as CEO
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Starbucks Corp.’s Howard Schultz, the outspoken coffee magnate who built a restaurant empire during two terms as chief executive officer, will hand the reins to his top lieutenant: technology veteran Kevin Johnson.
Johnson, who joined Starbucks’ board seven years ago and became chief operating officer in 2015, will take the CEO job on April 3. Schultz will keep the role of executive chairman at Starbucks, focusing on the rollout of its upscale Reserve brand.