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Laxman Narasimhan became Starbucks CEO on March 20, 2023, taking over from Howard Schultz 12 days before Schultz’s previously announced interim tenure was due to end. Starbucks’ announcement confirms the earlier handoff but does not give a reason for the date change.
When did Narasimhan take over from Schultz?
Starbucks said Narasimhan assumed the CEO role effective March 20, 2023, and joined the company’s board that day. The handoff followed Schultz’s return as interim CEO after Kevin Johnson announced his retirement.
In its March 16, 2022 announcement, Starbucks said Schultz’s interim appointment would take effect April 4, 2022. The board planned to use the interim period to consider candidates and select a long-term successor.
How the handoff differed from the original plan
| Transition point | Starbucks’ announcement |
|---|---|
| Plan announced September 1, 2022 | Schultz was expected to remain interim CEO until April 1, 2023. He would then advise Narasimhan through the end of calendar 2023, according to Starbucks’ successor announcement. |
| Effective handoff on March 20, 2023 | Narasimhan took over as CEO and joined the board, according to Starbucks’ March 20 announcement. |
The March 20 start was earlier than the April 1 date in the September plan. The cited company announcements do not explain why the effective date moved, so a specific reason cannot be established from those records.
#1 Best Overall
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What Starbucks said about Schultz’s interim role
When Starbucks announced the handoff, then-independent board chair Mellody Hobson thanked Schultz, saying: “The board wants to express our sincerest thanks to our founder, Howard Schultz, for selflessly picking up the leadership mantle when asked—forgoing compensation and putting aside his own pursuits—for the love of our company and its partners.” This is the board chair’s characterization of Schultz’s service, not independent evidence about his motives.
Narasimhan is no longer Starbucks CEO
This leadership change is historical, not a description of Starbucks’ current leadership. On August 13, 2024, Starbucks announced Narasimhan was stepping down, CFO Rachel Ruggeri would serve as interim CEO, and Brian Niccol would begin as CEO on September 9, 2024. Those changes are set out in the company’s August 2024 announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PREMIUM WHOLE BEAN COFFEE: Enjoy the Starbucks coffee you love at home with six 12-ounce bags of Starbucks Pike Place Roast medium roast whole bean coffee
- BALANCED: Starbucks Pike Place Roast is a well-rounded and medium-bodied blend of Latin American coffees with subtly rich notes of cocoa and rich praline—making it approachable, smooth and oh so delicious
- HOT OR ICED COFFEE: Enjoy your coffee your way—brew it hot or over ice for a refreshing pick-me-up. Add your favorite coffee creamer for a personalized touch, or enjoy balanced, black coffee for a satisfying sip any time of day
- BREW IT YOUR WAY: Enjoy the same delicious Starbucks taste, no matter how you make your cup—whether it’s a rich French press, classic drip brew or smooth pour-over
- CAFÉ QUALITY: Starbucks adheres to the highest quality standards—shipping you the same artfully crafted Arabica coffee beans brewed in Starbucks cafés
Rank #4
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- FRESH TASTE—Starbucks adheres to the highest quality standards—shipping you the same carefully roasted 100% arabica coffee beans we brew in our cafés
- MAKE IT YOUR OWN—An everyday cup no matter how you brew it, Starbucks whole bean coffee can be ground and used for a variety of brewing methods, including drip brewer, coffee press, pour-over and moka pot
- ETHICALLY SOURCED—Starbucks is committed to 100% ethical coffee sourcing in partnership with Conservation International
Rank #3
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- FRESH TASTE—Starbucks adheres to the highest quality standards—shipping you the same carefully roasted 100% arabica coffee beans we brew in our cafés
- MAKE IT YOUR OWN—An everyday cup no matter how you brew it, Starbucks whole bean coffee can be ground and used for a variety of brewing methods, including drip brewer, coffee press, pour-over and moka pot
- ETHICALLY SOURCED—Starbucks is committed to 100% ethical coffee sourcing in partnership with Conservation International
Rank #2
- PREMIUM WHOLE BEAN COFFEE—Starbucks delivers exceptional coffee cup after cup with this 28-ounce bag of French Roast dark roast whole bean coffee
- STARBUCKS FRENCH ROAST COFFEE—With notes of dark caramel and sweet smoke, the intense and roasty flavor of Starbucks French Roast coffee is as dark as our dark roasts get
- FRESH TASTE—Starbucks adheres to the highest quality standards—shipping you the same carefully roasted 100% arabica coffee beans we brew in our cafés
- MAKE IT YOUR OWN—An everyday cup no matter how you brew it, Starbucks whole bean coffee can be ground and used for a variety of brewing methods, including drip brewer, coffee press, pour-over and moka pot
- ETHICALLY SOURCED—Starbucks is committed to 100% ethical coffee sourcing in partnership with Conservation International
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