US – American multinational chain Starbucks has announced three new changes to its top leadership in an effort to fill vacant positions and to help the company achieve what it describes as “Purpose-driven growth”.

In the new appointments, John Culver who previously served as Starbucks’ group president of international, channel development and global coffee, tea, and cocoa, has been promoted to the chief operating officer at Starbucks Corp.

Culver succeeds Roz Brewer, who exited Starbucks in February to become chief executive of Walgreens Boots Alliance.

In addition to being named COO, Mr. Culver who has been with the coffee company since 2002 has also been promoted to North American group president.

As Starbuck’s group president of international, channel development and global coffee, tea and cocoa John Culver oversaw Starbucks’ cafes across 58 international markets and its consumer packaged goods products.

John has a B.S. in Business Administration from Florida State University (FSU), with an emphasis in hotel and restaurant management.

In 2011, he was recognized as Alumnus of the Year by Florida State’s Dedman School of Hospitality and served as a board member for the Florida State University Foundation from 2012-2018.

Mr. Culver was promoted alongside Michael Conway, president of international licensed markets, who will take over as group president of international and channel development.

Conway joined coffeehouse chain in 2013 to lead channel development and since then has gone on to lead Starbucks U.S. licensed stores and Canada businesses.

In his new role, he will lead Starbucks’ global channels, including its alliance with Nestlé.

To crown the list of executive appointment is Michelle Burns, a 26-year Starbucks veteran, who was promoted to executive vice president of global coffee, tea and cocoa.

The company said her promotion recognizes the role coffee plays in the “intersectionality of Starbucks Planet and People Positive goals within the coffee supply chain, on behalf of our farmers.”

“As we plan for the 2022 fiscal year and beyond, Starbucks is fortunate to have a deep, talented and diverse team of senior executives we are able to tap to help lead us forward,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO, Starbucks.

 “These appointments support our growth at scale agenda to bring about predictable, sustainable growth for the long-term, as well as our commitments to being a people positive and planet positive company.”

These changes are effective as of June 28, 2021, Starbucks revealed in a statement.

Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE