Leadership changes are regularly seen across all functional industries, the food and beverage industry is not an exception. This is the case with Starbucks as it recently announced the appointment of a new CEO, Brian Niccol.
Changes such as this, often bring a shift in a company’s direction, culture and most importantly, strategy. So we look forward to a noticeable change in Starbucks as Niccol Brian is set to assume his position as the new CEO of the popular coffee brand.
Starbucks made this announcement on Tuesday, August 14th indicating that Laxman Narasimhan, previously CEO, will step down after just one year in office.
The brand is currently struggling with sales, possibly one of the reasons for its election of a new CEO.
According to a report by CNN Business
“Starbucks sales dropped 3% globally at stores open for at least a year, including a 2% drop in its home North America market”.
The brand’s plummeting sales shows the level of dissatisfaction by customers following the recent expensive price tags.
Additionally, Starbucks will need to analyze their strategies and opt for a more brand-sustaining approach.
This time, Brian Niccol of Chipotle has been chosen and effective from September 9, Niccol will officially assume office as the new CEO of Starbucks.
“Our board believes he will be a transformative leader for our company, our people, and everyone we serve around the world” said by Mellody Hobson, Starbucks’ new lead independent director in a release.
Howard Schultz, Starbucks founder and chairman emeritus stated “Having followed Brian’s leadership and transformation journey at Chipotle, I’ve long admired his leadership impact. His retail excellence and track record in delivering extraordinary shareholder value recognizes the critical human element it takes to lead a culture and values driven enterprise. I believe he is the leader Starbucks needs at a pivotal moment in its history. He has my respect and full support,”
Clearly, the Starbucks executives have taken the decision to appoint Brian Niccol after thorough deliberation.
What are the achievements of Brian Niccol
Brian Niccol is a man of many hats having achieved so much at just 50. He holds an undergraduate degree from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Before securing revered positions in the restaurants industry and beyond, Niccol has served in various management positions at Procter & Gamble Co. From 2005 to 2011, he served in two executive positions – General Manager and Chief Marketing officer at Pizza Hut.
In the later part of 2011, Niccol joined Taco Bell as Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer worked diligently and was appointed as the president of Taco Bell from 2013 to 2014. From 2015 to early 2018, Brian Niccol served as the president of Taco Bell.
In March 2018, Niccol was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill and as Chairman of the Board from March 2020.
Other notable positions held by Brian Niccol include: Board of Directors Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, Board of Directors KB Home, Board of Directors Walmart, Board of Directors of Chipotle’s Non-profit Organization.
