Annie Young-Scrivner Joins as Global Chief Marketing Officer,
Michelle Gass Assumes Role as President, Seattle’s Best Coffee and John
Culver Assumes Role as President, Consumer Products and Foodservice
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 3, 2009--
Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced the appointment
of Annie Young-Scrivner to global chief marketing officer. She will be
responsible for the global marketing and product strategy for the
Starbucks brand. Michelle Gass will serve in the newly created role of
president, Seattle’s Best Coffee (SBC), and be accountable for building
the SBC brand and accelerating its growth potential in the global
specialty coffee category.
Additionally, John Culver, will assume the role of president, Global
Consumer Products (CPG) and Foodservice, and continue leading the global
Starbucks CPG and Foodservice business units. All positions report to
chairman, president and ceo Howard Schultz.
“As we move toward Starbucks new fiscal year, now is the time to keep
the positive momentum seen in our U.S. business and build on our global
opportunities. Moving SBC into a distinct and separate business unit
will provide the focus necessary to enable SBC’s full potential in the
specialty coffee marketplace,” commented Schultz. “These appointments
will strengthen the expertise of a proven internal leader and enhance
the leadership team with diverse talent from outside Starbucks to give
us the depth necessary to operate a global business.”
Young-Scrivner brings 20 years of global marketing strategy experience
to her role that she begins later this month. She most recently served
as Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Sales for Quaker Foods
and Snacks, a division of PepsiCo. She was past Chairman and Region
President of PepsiCo Foods for Greater China, and had a global consumer
brand portfolio that included Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Quaker, Tropicana and
Gatorade. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business
Administration-Marketing from the University of Washington, and a Master
of Business Administration at the Carlson School of Business, University
of Minnesota.
“Annie brings a wealth of knowledge in international business and a
proven track record in global marketing and product strategy, including
health and wellness,” added Schultz.
Gass, who most recently served as executive vice president, Marketing
and Category, will lead the new business unit of Seattle’s Best Coffee.
This includes the management of more than 550 specialty coffee cafes
across the U.S., the packaged coffee business in grocery channels, and
foodservice business. She will also oversee SBC’s expanded franchising
program announced this past February.
Gass is a 13-year veteran of Starbucks. Her recent accomplishments
include working with Schultz and the leadership team to create the
Transformation Agenda and execute against key strategic priorities. She
was instrumental in forging the partnership with (PRODUCT)RED,
leading Starbucks move into Health and Wellness and the Real Food.
Simply Delicious. launch, and the introduction of Starbucks VIA™ Ready
Brew, instant and microground coffee. Prior to Starbucks, Gass held
marketing and product management roles at Procter & Gamble.
“With her tenure and background in marketing, strategy and innovation,
Michelle is the right leader to elevate the SBC brand and position it
for continued growth,” said Schultz.
John Culver, will assume the role of president, Global Consumer Products
and Foodservice, and continue leading the global Starbucks CPG and
Foodservice business units. He will work closely with Gass to ensure a
smooth transition of SBC and continued integration with the other
business units.
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically
sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world.
Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster
and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering
commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique
Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To
share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.
About Seattle’s Best Coffee
Founded in 1970, Seattle’s Best Coffee has more than 550 specialty
coffee cafes, kiosks and other concepts in the U.S. Its coffee is
available nationwide in supermarkets and at more than 6,000 foodservice
locations, such as college campuses, restaurants, hotels, airlines and
cruise lines. Seattle’s Best Coffee’s smooth roasting delivers a rich
and balanced Uncommonly Smooth™ taste. Seattle’s Best Coffee offers more
than 30 whole bean and ground coffees (including flavored, organic and
Fair Trade Certified™ coffees), espresso beverages, signature
hand-crafted JavaKula® blended beverages, OvenSong™ bakery warm food and
sandwiches, and select merchandise. Seattle’s Best Coffee is a featured
brand within Starbucks Corporation. For more information, please visit
Seattle’s Best Coffee online at www.seattlesbest.com.
Source: Starbucks Coffee Company
Starbucks Global Communications
Valerie O’Neil, 206-318-7100
press@starbucks.com
or
Starbucks
Investor Relations
JoAnn DeGrande, 206-318-7118
investorrelations@starbucks.com
