Starbucks Names Hobson Chair in Gain for Black Directors

  • Finance executive has served as chain’s vice chair since 2018
  • She becomes one of the highest profile Black directors in U.S.
Mellody HobsonPhotographer: Amy Harris/AP Photo
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Starbucks Corp. named finance executive Mellody Hobson to lead its board as chair, making her one of the highest-profile Black directors in corporate America.

Hobson, co-chief executive officer of Ariel Investments LLC, replaces Myron Ullman, who’s retiring. The transition will occur in March. Ullman was named chair and Hobson vice chair in 2018 when long-time Starbucks leader Howard Schultz steppedBloomberg Terminal down from the coffee chain.