Howard Schultz

Howard Schultz is recognized for building Starbucks Coffee Company into a global brand and shaping the specialty coffee industry. Schultz grew up in public housing in Brooklyn and was the first in his family to graduate from college, a background that influenced his approach to business and leadership. He joined Starbucks as director of marketing after being impressed by the founders' passion for coffee. A visit to Milan inspired Schultz to introduce the Italian espresso bar experience to the United States, emphasizing community and coffee culture.

After the original Starbucks founders resisted his vision, Schultz launched his own company, Il Giornale, and secured funding from a small group of investors. He later acquired Starbucks Coffee Company, merging it with Il Giornale to form Starbucks Corp. Under Schultz's leadership, Starbucks expanded from 11 stores to more than 28,000 locations in 77 countries, employing hundreds of thousands and serving millions of customers weekly. He led the company through its public offering and international expansion, establishing Starbucks as a leader in retail, branding, and customer experience.

Schultz is known for implementing employee-focused initiatives, including comprehensive healthcare, stock ownership, and tuition coverage for full- and part-time employees. These programs reflected his commitment to corporate responsibility and employee engagement, setting benchmarks in the retail and food service industries. During periods of business challenge, Schultz returned as CEO, leading operational turnarounds and refocusing on quality, brand values, and customer service.

As an author, Schultz has written several books, including "Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time," "From the Ground Up: A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America," "Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life Without Losing Its Soul," and "For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice." His work addresses leadership, organizational culture, and the role of business in society, and has appeared on bestseller lists in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Schultz co-founded the Schultz Family Foundation, supporting youth development and workforce readiness, and established Maveron, a venture capital firm investing in consumer-focused companies. His experience leading global organizations and navigating business transformation informs his perspective on leadership, corporate values, and sustainable growth in the consumer sector.