Howard Schultz is stepping down as Starbucks chairman
Source: Washington Post
Starbucks said Monday that executive chairman Howard Schultz, who transformed a small retail chain of coffee stores into a global juggernaut of cafes, restaurants and coffee beans with more than 28,000 stores in 77 countries, will be stepping down as executive chairman and as a member of the company’s board effective June 26.
One of America’s most widely recognized CEOs, Schultz long ago emerged as an outspoken leader on civil issues such as immigration, LGBTQ issues and gun control. This move has reignited speculation that a plan to run for political office could be in his future.
In an interview with the New York Times, Schultz reportedly acknowledged that he may consider public service. Asked specifically if he was planning to run for president, Schultz said “I intend to think about a range of options, and that could include public service. But I’m a long way from making any decisions about the future.”
Schultz had transitioned from running the company on a day-to-day basis in April 2017, the second time he’d given up the chief executive’s title, most recently to current CEO Kevin Johnson. After becoming executive chairman, he focused on the company’s premium brands — its chain of Starbucks Reserve Roasteries, Reserve stores and its partnership with an Italian bakery, Princi. The company’s announcement said that after Schultz leaves the board, he will oversee the opening of two Roastery stores — one in Milan in September and another in New York in October.
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/06/04/howard-schultz-is-stepping-down-as-starbucks-chairman/?utm_term=.033da8224a71&wpisrc=al_news__alert-national&wpmk=1
IMHO, since he apparently has a good chunk of of $$$, he should consider creating a Super PAC that supports Democratic/liberal/progressive candidates.
