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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Howard Schultz
| name = Howard Schultz
| image       = Howard Schultz by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| image = Howard Schultz by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| caption     = Schultz in 2019
| caption = Schultz in 2019
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1953|7|19}}
| birth_name = Howard D. Schultz
| birth_place = [[New York City]], U.S.
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1953|7|19}}
| nationality = American
| birth_place = [[New York City]], U.S.
| education   = [[Northern Michigan University]] (BA)
| nationality = American
| occupation   = Businessman, author
| education = [[Northern Michigan University]] (BA)
| known_for   = Leadership of [[Starbucks]]; co-ownership of [[Seattle SuperSonics]]
| occupation = Businessman, author
| children     = 2
| known_for = Leadership of [[Starbucks]], co-ownership of [[Seattle SuperSonics]]
| awards       = NAACP National Equal Justice Award
| children = 2
| website     =  
| awards = NAACP National Equal Justice Award
| website =  
}}
}}


Howard D. Schultz (born July 19, 1953) is an American businessman, author, and philanthropist who served as chairman and chief executive officer of [[Starbucks]] across three separate tenures: from 1986 to 2000, from 2008 to 2017, and as interim CEO from 2022 to 2023. Born into a working-class family in the public housing projects of Brooklyn, New York, Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 when it was a small retailer of whole-bean coffee, and over the following decades transformed it into the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. His leadership oversaw the company's initial public offering in 1992, its expansion to tens of thousands of locations across dozens of countries, and the development of a coffee culture that reshaped consumer habits in the United States and internationally. Schultz has been described as "the Ray Kroc of his generation" for his role in scaling the Starbucks brand through rapid, franchise-like expansion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz: How To Do Good And Do Good Business |url=https://mastersofscale.com/howard-schultz-how-to-do-good-and-do-good-business/ |publisher=Masters of Scale |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Beyond Starbucks, Schultz owned the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] basketball team from 2001 to 2006, authored four books on business and leadership, and publicly explored independent candidacies for the U.S. presidency in multiple election cycles. He established the Schultz Family Foundation to support military veterans and combat youth unemployment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Schultz Family Foundation |url=http://www.schultzfamilyfoundation.org/#tab-switcher-1 |publisher=Schultz Family Foundation |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Howard D. Schultz (born July 19, 1953) is an American businessman, author, and philanthropist who served as chairman and chief executive officer of [[Starbucks]] across three separate tenures: from 1986 to 2000, from 2008 to 2017, and as interim CEO from 2022 to 2023. Born into a working-class family in the public housing projects of Brooklyn, New York, Schultz joined the then-small Seattle coffee roaster in 1982 and transformed it from a regional purveyor of whole-bean coffee into the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. He took the company public in 1992, oversaw an aggressive expansion strategy that reshaped coffee culture in the United States and abroad, and returned to lead the company through the [[2008 financial crisis]] and again during a period of leadership transition in 2022. His approach to corporate management—which emphasized employee benefits, brand experience, and what Starbucks described as the concept of a "third place" between home and work—drew comparisons to [[Ray Kroc]], the executive who built the [[McDonald's]] franchise empire.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz: How to Do Good and Do Good Business |url=https://mastersofscale.com/howard-schultz-how-to-do-good-and-do-good-business/ |publisher=Masters of Scale |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Beyond Starbucks, Schultz owned the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] basketball team from 2001 to 2006, authored four books on business and leadership, and publicly explored independent candidacies for the U.S. presidency in multiple election cycles. In 2025, Schultz continued to engage publicly with Starbucks, appearing alongside CEO [[Brian Niccol]] to discuss the company's future direction.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-06-11 |title=Howard Schultz says he 'did a cartwheel' when Starbucks CEO Niccol coined 'back to Starbucks' strategy |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/11/starbucks-howard-schultz-backs-ceo-brian-niccol.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Howard D. Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, in [[New York City]]. He grew up in the Bayview Houses, a public housing project in the Canarsie neighborhood of [[Brooklyn]]. His father held a series of blue-collar jobs, including work as a truck driver, factory worker, and cab driver, and the family experienced financial hardship throughout Schultz's childhood. These formative experiences in a low-income household would later inform his approach to employee benefits and workplace culture at Starbucks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |work=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Howard D. Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, in [[New York City]]. He grew up in the Bayview Housing Projects in the [[Canarsie]] neighborhood of [[Brooklyn]], a federally subsidized public housing complex. His father held a series of blue-collar jobs, including work as a truck driver and factory worker, and the family struggled financially throughout Schultz's childhood. The experience of growing up in public housing and witnessing his father's lack of access to health insurance and workers' benefits had a formative effect on Schultz, shaping views he would later carry into his corporate leadership at Starbucks.<ref name="entrepreneur">{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |publisher=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Schultz was an athletic youth and earned a football scholarship that provided him the opportunity to attend college—the first member of his family to do so. His upbringing in public housing and his family's lack of a social safety net later became central themes in his public speeches and writings about the responsibilities of corporations toward their employees.
Schultz was an athletic youth and earned a football scholarship to [[Northern Michigan University]] in [[Marquette, Michigan]], becoming the first person in his family to attend college. At Northern Michigan, he studied communications and earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree.<ref name="entrepreneur" />
 
After graduating from college, Schultz entered the business world through sales positions. He eventually joined Hammarplast, a Swedish housewares company, where he worked as a general manager. It was in this role that Schultz first encountered Starbucks. He noticed that a small coffee roasting company in [[Seattle]] was ordering an unusually large number of a particular type of drip coffeemaker, which piqued his curiosity and led him to visit the company's original store in [[Pike Place Market]] in 1981. Impressed by the quality of the coffee and the founders' dedication to the product, Schultz lobbied to join the company and was hired in 1982 as director of retail operations and marketing.<ref name="entrepreneur" />


== Education ==
== Education ==


Schultz attended [[Northern Michigan University]] in Marquette, Michigan, where he earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree. His attendance was made possible by an athletic scholarship. Schultz graduated from Northern Michigan University and entered the workforce in sales and marketing roles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Commencement Speaker: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz |url=https://asunow.asu.edu/20170313-asu-news-commencement-speaker-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz |publisher=Arizona State University |date=2017-03-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Schultz attended [[Northern Michigan University]] on a football scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications.<ref name="entrepreneur" /> Northern Michigan University, a public university in [[Marquette, Michigan]], later recognized Schultz as one of its most prominent alumni. In 2017, Schultz served as the commencement speaker at [[Arizona State University]], with which Starbucks had established a partnership to provide tuition coverage for employees pursuing online degrees.<ref>{{cite web |title=Commencement Speaker: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz |url=https://asunow.asu.edu/20170313-asu-news-commencement-speaker-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz |publisher=Arizona State University |date=2017-03-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Early Career and Joining Starbucks ===
=== Early Years at Starbucks and Il Giornale ===
 
After graduating from Northern Michigan University, Schultz worked in sales and marketing positions. He joined Starbucks in 1982, when the company was a small Seattle-based retailer that sold whole-bean coffee and coffee-making equipment. At the time, Starbucks did not sell brewed coffee beverages by the cup. During a business trip to Italy, Schultz became impressed by the Italian espresso bar culture and the role that coffeehouses played as community gathering places. He became convinced that the espresso bar model could be successfully imported to the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |work=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


When Starbucks' original owners were reluctant to shift the company's focus toward selling brewed espresso drinks, Schultz left and founded his own coffeehouse, Il Giornale, in 1985. Il Giornale was a specialty coffee shop modeled on the Italian espresso bar experience. The venture proved successful, and in the late 1980s, Schultz orchestrated a merger between Il Giornale and Starbucks, effectively acquiring the Starbucks brand and its existing stores. Schultz assumed leadership of the combined company and began executing his vision for a national chain of coffeehouses.
Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 as director of retail operations and marketing. At the time, the company operated a small number of stores in Seattle that sold whole-bean coffee and coffee-making equipment but did not serve brewed coffee beverages. During a business trip to [[Milan]], Italy, in 1983, Schultz was struck by the Italian espresso bar culture—the sense of community, the ritual of espresso preparation, and the role of the coffeehouse as a social gathering place. He returned to Seattle convinced that Starbucks should adopt a similar model, serving espresso-based beverages in addition to selling beans.<ref name="entrepreneur" />


=== First Tenure as CEO (1986–2000) ===
When the Starbucks founders proved reluctant to shift the company's business model, Schultz departed in 1985 to open his own coffeehouse chain, which he named '''Il Giornale''', after the Italian newspaper. Il Giornale served brewed espresso drinks in an atmosphere inspired by the Italian coffee bars Schultz had visited. The concept proved successful, and in 1987, when the original Starbucks owners decided to sell the company, Schultz raised the capital necessary to purchase Starbucks and merged it with Il Giornale. He became chairman and CEO of the combined entity, rebranding all locations under the Starbucks name.<ref name="entrepreneur" />


As chief executive officer and chairman of Starbucks beginning in 1986, Schultz oversaw a period of extraordinary growth. He guided the company through its [[initial public offering]] (IPO) in June 1992. At the time of the IPO, Starbucks had a market valuation of $271 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Starbucks Coffee Announces Initial Public Offering |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/STARBUCKS%20COFFEE%20ANNOUNCES%20INITIAL%20PUBLIC%20OFFERING-a012370965 |publisher=The Free Library |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Schultz used the capital raised from going public to fund an aggressive expansion strategy, doubling the company's store count in a series of moves that attracted significant media attention and were described as "coffee wars" with competing chains.
=== Building the Starbucks Brand (1987–2000) ===


Under Schultz's first tenure, Starbucks grew from a handful of locations in the Pacific Northwest to a national and then international presence. The company's expansion influenced coffee culture in [[Seattle]], across the United States, and in markets worldwide. Starbucks introduced millions of American consumers to espresso-based beverages such as lattes and cappuccinos, and the coffeehouse became a fixture of urban and suburban commercial districts. Through large-scale distribution deals, Starbucks became the largest coffeehouse chain in the world during this period.
Under Schultz's leadership, Starbucks underwent a period of rapid expansion throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. The company grew from a handful of Seattle locations to a national and then international chain. A pivotal moment came in June 1992 when Starbucks held its [[initial public offering]] (IPO), with the company valued at approximately $271 million. The capital raised through the IPO enabled Schultz to double the store count through an aggressive growth strategy that attracted significant media attention and was characterized as part of a series of "coffee wars" as the specialty coffee market expanded.<ref>{{cite web |title=Starbucks Coffee Announces Initial Public Offering |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/STARBUCKS%20COFFEE%20ANNOUNCES%20INITIAL%20PUBLIC%20OFFERING-a012370965 |publisher=The Free Library |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Schultz also pursued employee benefit policies that were unusual in the food-service industry. The company offered stock options and health insurance to part-time employees, decisions Schultz attributed to his childhood experiences with his father's lack of workplace benefits. These policies generated both acclaim and scrutiny from industry observers.
Schultz's management philosophy during this period centered on the idea that Starbucks stores should function as a "third place"—a comfortable environment between home and work where customers could linger, socialize, or work. He also implemented employee policies that were unusual in the retail and food-service industries at the time, including offering health insurance and stock options to part-time workers. Schultz frequently cited his father's experience as a blue-collar worker without benefits as motivation for these policies.<ref name="entrepreneur" />


Schultz stepped down as CEO in 2000 and was succeeded by [[Orin C. Smith]]. Schultz remained as chairman of the board following his departure from the CEO role.
The growth under Schultz's leadership was extensive enough that he was described as the "Ray Kroc of his generation," a reference to the businessman who expanded the [[McDonald's]] franchise into a global brand. Schultz stepped down as CEO in 2000 and was succeeded by [[Orin C. Smith]], though he retained the position of chairman.<ref name="starbucks_press">{{cite web |title=Starbucks Press Release |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117121159/http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=818 |publisher=Starbucks |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Ownership of the Seattle SuperSonics (2001–2006) ===
=== Ownership of the Seattle SuperSonics (2001–2006) ===


In 2001, Schultz led a group of investors that purchased the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA). His tenure as owner of the franchise was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding the team's future in Seattle. The SuperSonics struggled to secure public funding for a new arena, which Schultz and the ownership group argued was necessary for the franchise's long-term viability in the market.
In 2001, Schultz led an ownership group that purchased the [[Seattle SuperSonics]], a [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA) franchise. His tenure as owner coincided with the team's participation in the [[Super Bowl XL|2006 Super Bowl]] celebration in Seattle—though the primary beneficiary of that event was widely seen as [[Paul Allen]], owner of the [[Seattle Seahawks]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Seattle Super Bowl scores points for Paul Allen, sacks Howard Schultz |url=http://www.thestreet.com/story/12287415/1/seattle-super-bowl-scores-points-for-paul-allen-sacks-howard-schultz.html |work=TheStreet |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
In 2006, Schultz sold the SuperSonics to a group of investors led by Clay Bennett, who was based in Oklahoma City. The sale proved deeply unpopular in Seattle, as Bennett's group subsequently relocated the franchise to [[Oklahoma City]], where it became the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] in 2008. The loss of the SuperSonics was a source of significant public anger directed at Schultz. A [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] poll reflected negative public sentiment toward Schultz in the wake of the sale.<ref>{{cite web |title=Seattle P-I Poll |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/polls/popup.asp?pollID=2983 |publisher=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Legal proceedings related to the sale and the team's relocation further drew public attention to Schultz's role in the transaction.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trial |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/basketball/369313_trial03.html |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


The outcome of the SuperSonics sale was a notable setback to Schultz's public reputation in the Seattle area, a city closely tied to his identity as the builder of the Starbucks brand. A [[Seattle Times]] report documented the controversy surrounding Schultz's decision to sell the team to out-of-state buyers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Schultz and the Sonics |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419015637/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2004349361_schultz15.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Meanwhile, the 2005 Super Bowl appearance of the [[Seattle Seahawks]], owned by [[Paul Allen]], drew favorable contrast in the local media to Schultz's stewardship of the SuperSonics.<ref>{{cite news |title=Seattle Super Bowl Scores Points for Paul Allen, Sacks Howard Schultz |url=http://www.thestreet.com/story/12287415/1/seattle-super-bowl-scores-points-for-paul-allen-sacks-howard-schultz.html |work=TheStreet |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Schultz's ownership of the SuperSonics became controversial in Seattle. He sold the team in 2006 to a group led by [[Clay Bennett]] of [[Oklahoma City]]. The sale eventually led to the team's relocation from Seattle to Oklahoma City, where it was rebranded as the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] in 2008. The loss of the SuperSonics was a source of significant frustration for Seattle sports fans, and Schultz faced public criticism and legal scrutiny related to the sale. A trial examined the circumstances of the transaction.<ref>{{cite news |title=SuperSonics Trial Coverage |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/basketball/369313_trial03.html |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Public opinion polling in Seattle reflected widespread displeasure with Schultz's handling of the franchise.<ref>{{cite web |title=Seattle SuperSonics Poll |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/polls/popup.asp?pollID=2983 |publisher=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In 2008, the ''Seattle Times'' published further reporting on Schultz's role in the team's departure.<ref>{{cite news |title=Schultz and the SuperSonics |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419015637/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2004349361_schultz15.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Return as CEO (2008–2017) ===
=== Return as CEO During the Financial Crisis (2008–2017) ===


By 2008, Starbucks was facing significant challenges. The company had expanded rapidly during the mid-2000s, and the onset of the [[2008 financial crisis]] compounded problems of over-saturation, declining same-store sales, and a dilution of the brand's identity. Schultz returned as chief executive officer in January 2008, succeeding [[Jim Donald]], who had followed Orin Smith in the CEO role.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz Returns as Starbucks CEO |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117121159/http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=818 |publisher=Starbucks |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
By 2008, Starbucks was experiencing declining same-store sales, rising commodity costs, and a perception that the brand had lost its focus on coffee quality and the in-store experience during years of rapid expansion. The company's stock price had fallen significantly. Schultz returned as CEO in January 2008, succeeding [[Jim Donald]], who had taken over after Orin Smith's retirement.<ref name="starbucks_press" />


Schultz's return was accompanied by sweeping changes. He led a restructuring that included the termination of numerous executives and employees and the closure of hundreds of underperforming stores across the United States. These measures were intended to stabilize the company's finances and refocus its operations on the core coffeehouse experience.
Schultz's second tenure as CEO was marked by aggressive restructuring. He led the closure of hundreds of underperforming stores across the United States and oversaw significant layoffs at both the store and corporate levels, including the dismissal of senior executives. The restructuring was described as a mass firing of executives and employees as Schultz sought to refocus the company on its core identity.


During his second tenure, Schultz orchestrated multiple acquisitions of American and Chinese beverage companies, broadening Starbucks' product portfolio and geographic reach. He introduced a national customer loyalty program that became a significant driver of repeat business and customer data collection. Schultz also enforced [[fair trade]] sourcing standards for the company's coffee supply chain, positioning Starbucks as a leader in ethical sourcing within the industry.
In addition to cost-cutting measures, Schultz pursued a strategy of acquisitions, purchasing several American and Chinese beverage companies to diversify Starbucks' product portfolio. He introduced the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program nationally, which became one of the most widely used restaurant loyalty programs in the country. The company also expanded its commitment to [[fair trade]] standards under Schultz's direction, enforcing ethical sourcing practices for its coffee supply chain.


One of the most significant strategic initiatives of Schultz's second tenure was the aggressive expansion of Starbucks in [[China]]. Schultz oversaw the opening of thousands of stores in Chinese cities, a move that required adapting the Starbucks model to a country with a deeply rooted tea-drinking culture. The expansion in China has been credited with contributing to the growth of coffee consumption in the country and reconciling traditional tea culture with coffeehouse culture.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz: How To Do Good And Do Good Business |url=https://mastersofscale.com/howard-schultz-how-to-do-good-and-do-good-business/ |publisher=Masters of Scale |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
A key strategic priority during Schultz's second stint was the expansion of Starbucks in [[China]], which he identified as the company's most important growth market outside the United States. His aggressive push into Chinese markets was credited with reconciling the country's deeply rooted tea culture with coffee consumption, introducing millions of Chinese consumers to coffeehouse culture. By the time Schultz stepped down as CEO in April 2017, Starbucks operated thousands of stores in China, and the market remained central to the company's long-term growth strategy.


Schultz also engaged publicly on social and political issues during this period. In 2013, at a Starbucks shareholder meeting, Schultz responded to a shareholder who criticized the company's support for same-sex marriage by stating that the shareholder was free to sell their shares. The exchange was widely reported in the media.<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Frederick |date=2013-03-22 |title=Howard Schultz to Anti-Gay-Marriage Starbucks Shareholder: 'You Can Sell Your Shares' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/frederickallen/2013/03/22/howard-schultz-to-anti-gay-marriage-starbucks-shareholder-you-can-sell-your-shares/#4aed60586511 |work=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Schultz was succeeded as CEO by [[Kevin Johnson]] in April 2017. He continued as executive chairman until June 2018, when he was succeeded in that role by [[Myron Ullman]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Peter Mandelson: Starbucks Economy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/feb/19/peter-mandelson-starbucks-economy |work=The Guardian |date=2009-02-19 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
Schultz stepped down as CEO in April 2017 and was succeeded by [[Kevin Johnson]]. Schultz continued serving as executive chairman until June 2018, when he was succeeded by [[Myron Ullman]] as chairman of the board.


=== Third Tenure as Interim CEO (2022–2023) ===
=== Third Tenure as Interim CEO (2022–2023) ===


On March 16, 2022, Starbucks announced that CEO Kevin Johnson was retiring and that Schultz would return to the company as interim CEO. This marked Schultz's third stint leading the company. He served in the role until [[Laxman Narasimhan]] was installed as CEO. On March 20, 2023, Schultz announced that he would step down from the interim CEO position earlier than originally planned, and Narasimhan formally assumed the role in April 2023.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-06-11 |title=Howard Schultz says he 'did a cartwheel' when Starbucks CEO Niccol coined 'back to Starbucks' strategy |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/11/starbucks-howard-schultz-backs-ceo-brian-niccol.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
On March 16, 2022, Starbucks announced that CEO Kevin Johnson was retiring and that Schultz would return as interim CEO while the company searched for a permanent successor. The announcement came during a period of significant labor organizing activity at Starbucks locations across the United States. Schultz assumed the role and led the company through a transitional period until [[Laxman Narasimhan]] was named as the incoming CEO. On March 20, 2023, Schultz announced he would step down from the interim position ahead of the originally planned transition date, and Narasimhan formally took over the role in April 2023.


=== Post-CEO Activities ===
=== Post-Retirement Engagement ===


Following his departure from the interim CEO role and subsequent retirement from the Starbucks board of directors, Schultz has continued to comment publicly on business leadership and the future of Starbucks. In June 2025, Schultz made a surprise appearance at the Starbucks Leadership Experience in Las Vegas, where he appeared alongside CEO [[Brian Niccol]]. During the event, Schultz expressed support for Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" strategy, stating that he "did a cartwheel" upon hearing the approach. The two discussed the company's legacy and the concept of the coffeehouse as a "third place" between home and work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brian Niccol and Howard Schultz on reclaiming the third place and delivering performance 'through the lens of humanity' |url=https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/brian-niccol-and-howard-schultz-on-reclaiming-the-third-place-and-delivering-performance-through-the-lens-of-humanity/ |publisher=Starbucks |date=2025-06-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Following his departure from executive roles, Schultz continued to engage publicly with Starbucks and broader business issues. In June 2025, he made a surprise appearance at the Starbucks Leadership Experience event in [[Las Vegas]], joining CEO Brian Niccol on stage. Schultz expressed enthusiasm for Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" strategy, telling attendees he "did a cartwheel" upon learning of the initiative, which emphasized a return to the company's core coffeehouse identity.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-06-11 |title=Howard Schultz says he 'did a cartwheel' when Starbucks CEO Niccol coined 'back to Starbucks' strategy |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/11/starbucks-howard-schultz-backs-ceo-brian-niccol.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Schultz and Niccol discussed the enduring importance of Starbucks as a "third place" and delivering performance "through the lens of humanity."<ref>{{cite web |title=Brian Niccol and Howard Schultz on reclaiming the third place and delivering performance 'through the lens of humanity' |url=https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/brian-niccol-and-howard-schultz-on-reclaiming-the-third-place-and-delivering-performance-through-the-lens-of-humanity/ |publisher=Starbucks |date=2025-06-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In July 2025, Schultz joined Niccol during a Starbucks partner (employee) Quarterly Connect session, telling employees, "The world needs Starbucks," and expressing his belief in the company's future.<ref>{{cite web |title=Starbucks founder Howard Schultz joins ceo Brian Niccol during partner Quarterly Connect |url=https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/starbucks-founder-howard-schultz-joins-ceo-brian-niccol-during-partner-quarterly-connect/ |publisher=Starbucks |date=2025-07-31 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In July 2025, Schultz joined Niccol again during a partner (employee) Quarterly Connect event, telling Starbucks employees, "The world needs Starbucks," and expressing his belief in the company's future.<ref>{{cite web |title=Starbucks founder Howard Schultz joins CEO Brian Niccol during partner Quarterly Connect |url=https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/starbucks-founder-howard-schultz-joins-ceo-brian-niccol-during-partner-quarterly-connect/ |publisher=Starbucks |date=2025-07-31 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In October 2025, Schultz expressed concern about the rise of [[artificial intelligence]], stating in an interview with LinkedIn's editor in chief Daniel Roth that he was "worried—with a big W—about AI."<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-10-14 |title=Howard Schultz Said He's Worried — 'With a Big W' — About AI |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/howard-schultz-starbucks-worried-about-ai-2025-10 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He also spoke publicly about the importance of leadership during periods of uncertainty.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hayes |first=Julian |date=2025-10-19 |title=Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz On Leading Through Uncertainty |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2025/10/19/former-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz-on-leading-through-uncertainty/ |work=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In October 2025, Schultz spoke publicly about his concerns regarding [[artificial intelligence]], stating in an interview with LinkedIn's editor-in-chief Daniel Roth that he was "Worried—with a big W—about AI."<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-10-14 |title=Howard Schultz Said He's Worried — 'With a Big W' — About AI |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/howard-schultz-starbucks-worried-about-ai-2025-10 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He also discussed broader themes of leadership in uncertain times, drawing on his experience at Starbucks.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hayes |first=Julian |date=2025-10-19 |title=Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz On Leading Through Uncertainty |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2025/10/19/former-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz-on-leading-through-uncertainty/ |work=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2025-10-16 |title=Howard Schultz isn't running Starbucks anymore—but his latest warning should make every CEO listen |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/91422968/howard-schultz-starbucks-warning-should-make-every-ceo-listen |work=Fast Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Political Considerations ===
=== Political Interests ===


Schultz publicly considered candidacy for the [[President of the United States|U.S. presidency]] in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 election cycles. In each instance, he explored the possibility of running as an [[independent (politics)|independent]] candidate. He declined to enter all three races. Prior to 2019, Schultz was affiliated with the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]]; he registered as an independent in 2019. His stated political positions have been described as socially liberal and fiscally moderate. In [[foreign policy]], he has been characterized as a "liberal hawk," favoring American-led international engagement.
Throughout his career, Schultz was affiliated with the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] before registering as an [[Independent (politician)|independent]] in 2019. He publicly considered running for the [[President of the United States|U.S. presidency]] in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 election cycles, each time as a potential independent candidate. He ultimately declined to enter all three contests. His political positions have been described as socially liberal and fiscally moderate. In foreign policy, he has been characterized as a "liberal hawk," favoring American-led international engagement.


=== Books ===
Schultz was outspoken on social and political issues during his time at Starbucks. In 2013, responding to a shareholder who criticized the company's support of [[same-sex marriage]], Schultz stated that the shareholder was free to sell their shares, a remark that received significant media coverage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Howard Schultz to Anti-Gay-Marriage Starbucks Shareholder: You Can Sell Your Shares |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/frederickallen/2013/03/22/howard-schultz-to-anti-gay-marriage-starbucks-shareholder-you-can-sell-your-shares/#4aed60586511 |work=Forbes |date=2013-03-22 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Schultz has authored four books on business and leadership. His writings have addressed his personal story of rising from public housing to corporate leadership, the culture and values of Starbucks, and his views on the responsibilities of business leaders in society.
== Personal Life ==


== Personal Life ==
Schultz has two children. He has been a resident of [[Seattle, Washington]], for much of his adult life, having relocated there when he first joined Starbucks in 1982. His upbringing in the public housing projects of Brooklyn has been a recurring theme in his public remarks and writings, and he has frequently described the formative impact of his father's struggles as a blue-collar worker without health insurance or job security.<ref name="entrepreneur" />


Howard Schultz has two children. He resides in the Seattle area, where he has been based for most of his professional career. Details of his family life beyond these facts have remained largely private.
Schultz and his family established the '''Schultz Family Foundation''', a philanthropic organization focused on two primary areas: supporting military veterans in their transition to civilian life and combating youth unemployment in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Schultz Family Foundation |url=http://www.schultzfamilyfoundation.org/#tab-switcher-1 |publisher=Schultz Family Foundation |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In 2015, Schultz wrote an op-ed in ''[[The New York Times]]'' about the importance of connecting young people with employment opportunities.<ref>{{cite news |title=Connecting Young People With Jobs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/13/opinion/connecting-young-people-with-jobs.html |work=The New York Times |date=2015-07-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The foundation's work was also covered by the ''[[Chronicle of Philanthropy]]'', which reported on Schultz's philanthropic initiatives.<ref>{{cite news |title=Starbucks's Schultz Opens New Foundation |url=https://philanthropy.com/article/Starbuckss-Schultz-Opens-New/228699 |work=Chronicle of Philanthropy |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Schultz's political affiliations shifted from the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] to independent status in 2019, coinciding with his exploration of a potential presidential campaign. He has spoken publicly about the influence of his upbringing in Brooklyn's public housing projects on his worldview and his commitment to employee welfare and social responsibility initiatives.
Schultz has authored four books on business and leadership. His writings have covered topics including his personal story, the growth of Starbucks, corporate responsibility, and the challenges of leadership.


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Schultz has received numerous honors and awards over the course of his career. He was the recipient of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund's National Equal Justice Award, which recognized his contributions to social justice causes.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Moment Now: NAACP Legal Defense 31st Annual National Equal Justice Awards |url=http://www.naacpldf.org/press-release/moment-now-naacp-legal-31st-annual-national-equal-justice-awards |publisher=NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Schultz has received recognition from multiple organizations for his business leadership and social engagement. The [[NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund]] honored him with the National Equal Justice Award at its 31st annual ceremony, recognizing his contributions to issues of social justice and equal opportunity.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Moment Now: NAACP Legal Defense 31st Annual National Equal Justice Awards |url=http://www.naacpldf.org/press-release/moment-now-naacp-legal-31st-annual-national-equal-justice-awards |publisher=NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Schultz has been invited to deliver commencement addresses at major universities. In 2017, he served as the commencement speaker at [[Arizona State University]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Commencement Speaker: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz |url=https://asunow.asu.edu/20170313-asu-news-commencement-speaker-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz |publisher=Arizona State University |date=2017-03-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
His leadership of Starbucks has been the subject of extensive business journalism and academic study. The comparison to Ray Kroc—describing Schultz as the "Ray Kroc of his generation"—reflected the scale of the transformation he oversaw in turning a small Seattle company into a global enterprise. Schultz's approach to employee benefits, including offering health coverage and stock options to part-time workers, was widely covered in business media as an example of stakeholder capitalism before the term became common corporate parlance.


His leadership of Starbucks earned him comparisons to [[Ray Kroc]], the businessman who built [[McDonald's]] into a global franchise empire. The description of Schultz as "the Ray Kroc of his generation" reflects the scale at which he expanded the Starbucks brand from a regional coffee retailer to a multinational corporation with tens of thousands of locations worldwide.
In 2025, ''Forbes'' profiled Schultz on the topic of leading through uncertainty, highlighting his experience navigating the 2008 financial crisis and the challenges of multiple tenures at Starbucks.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hayes |first=Julian |date=2025-10-19 |title=Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz On Leading Through Uncertainty |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2025/10/19/former-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz-on-leading-through-uncertainty/ |work=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> ''Fast Company'' noted that even two years after retiring from the Starbucks board, Schultz's public statements continued to attract attention from business leaders and media.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-10-16 |title=Howard Schultz isn't running Starbucks anymore—but his latest warning should make every CEO listen |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/91422968/howard-schultz-starbucks-warning-should-make-every-ceo-listen |work=Fast Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


British politician [[Peter Mandelson]] referenced the Starbucks model and Schultz's influence on consumer culture in a 2009 discussion about the economy.<ref>{{cite news |date=2009-02-19 |title=Peter Mandelson, Starbucks and the economy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/feb/19/peter-mandelson-starbucks-economy |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
== Legacy ==
 
== Philanthropy ==
 
Schultz established the Schultz Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization focused on two primary areas: supporting military veterans transitioning to civilian life and combating youth unemployment in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Schultz Family Foundation |url=http://www.schultzfamilyfoundation.org/#tab-switcher-1 |publisher=Schultz Family Foundation |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In a 2015 opinion piece published in ''[[The New York Times]]'', Schultz wrote about the importance of connecting young people with employment opportunities.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schultz |first=Howard |date=2015-07-13 |title=Connecting Young People With Jobs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/13/opinion/connecting-young-people-with-jobs.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
The foundation's work on veteran employment drew from Schultz's broader belief in corporate social responsibility. Starbucks under Schultz's leadership made public commitments to hiring veterans and military spouses. The Schultz Family Foundation has also partnered with community organizations to create pathways for young people who are disconnected from both education and employment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Starbucks's Schultz Opens New Foundation |url=https://philanthropy.com/article/Starbuckss-Schultz-Opens-New/228699 |work=The Chronicle of Philanthropy |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
Schultz's influence on the coffee industry and on American retail culture is a subject of significant discussion in business literature. Under his leadership, Starbucks grew from a single-city operation selling whole-bean coffee to a global chain with tens of thousands of locations. The company's expansion redefined how coffee was marketed, consumed, and experienced in the United States and internationally, contributing to the popularization of espresso-based beverages and the specialty coffee movement.


Howard Schultz's impact on American consumer culture and the global coffee industry is substantial and well-documented. Under his leadership, Starbucks grew from a small Seattle coffee retailer into the world's largest coffeehouse chain, with locations spanning dozens of countries. The company's expansion influenced not only the coffee industry but also broader trends in retail, urban design, and workplace culture. The concept of the coffeehouse as a "third place"—a social environment distinct from home and work—became closely associated with the Starbucks brand under Schultz's stewardship.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brian Niccol and Howard Schultz on reclaiming the third place and delivering performance 'through the lens of humanity' |url=https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/brian-niccol-and-howard-schultz-on-reclaiming-the-third-place-and-delivering-performance-through-the-lens-of-humanity/ |publisher=Starbucks |date=2025-06-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
The "third place" concept that Schultz championed—the idea that Starbucks stores should serve as communal gathering spaces distinct from home and the workplace—became a defining element of the company's brand identity. In 2025, Schultz continued to reference this concept, collaborating with current CEO Brian Niccol to articulate a vision of Starbucks reclaiming its role as a "third place" and delivering performance "through the lens of humanity."<ref>{{cite web |title=Brian Niccol and Howard Schultz on reclaiming the third place and delivering performance 'through the lens of humanity' |url=https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/brian-niccol-and-howard-schultz-on-reclaiming-the-third-place-and-delivering-performance-through-the-lens-of-humanity/ |publisher=Starbucks |date=2025-06-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Schultz's employee benefit policies, including the extension of health insurance and stock options to part-time workers, set precedents in the food-service and retail industries. His approach to corporate responsibility—including fair trade sourcing, veteran hiring programs, and public engagement on social issues—placed Starbucks at the center of debates about the role of corporations in society.
Schultz's employee-benefit policies at Starbucks, including health insurance for part-time workers and the stock-option program known as "Bean Stock," were frequently cited as models for how large employers in the retail and food-service sectors could provide benefits traditionally associated with white-collar employment. His personal narrative—rising from a childhood in Brooklyn public housing to lead a Fortune 500 company—became a widely referenced example of the American self-made business story.


His expansion of Starbucks into China represented one of the most significant examples of a Western consumer brand adapting to an Asian market with distinct cultural traditions. The growth of coffee consumption in China during and after Schultz's tenures has been partly attributed to Starbucks' market presence.
His legacy, however, is not without controversy. The sale of the Seattle SuperSonics, which resulted in the team's relocation to Oklahoma City, remains a point of contention in Seattle. Additionally, his multiple explorations of presidential bids without entering the race drew criticism from various political commentators.


As of 2025, Schultz continues to engage publicly with issues of business leadership, corporate culture, and technology, including expressing concern about the societal implications of artificial intelligence.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-10-14 |title=Howard Schultz Said He's Worried — 'With a Big W' — About AI |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/howard-schultz-starbucks-worried-about-ai-2025-10 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His legacy remains closely intertwined with the Starbucks brand, and his influence on the modern coffeehouse industry continues to be a subject of discussion among business analysts and commentators.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-10-16 |title=Howard Schultz isn't running Starbucks anymore—but his latest warning should make every CEO listen |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/91422968/howard-schultz-starbucks-warning-should-make-every-ceo-listen |work=Fast Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Schultz's influence on Starbucks remained visible well after his formal departure from the company. His 2025 appearances alongside CEO Brian Niccol underscored his ongoing connection to the brand he built, with Schultz telling employees at a company event that "the world needs Starbucks."<ref>{{cite web |title=Starbucks founder Howard Schultz joins CEO Brian Niccol during partner Quarterly Connect |url=https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/starbucks-founder-howard-schultz-joins-ceo-brian-niccol-during-partner-quarterly-connect/ |publisher=Starbucks |date=2025-07-31 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 01:50, 24 February 2026


Howard Schultz
Schultz in 2019
Howard Schultz
BornHoward D. Schultz
19 7, 1953
BirthplaceNew York City, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBusinessman, author
Known forLeadership of Starbucks, co-ownership of Seattle SuperSonics
EducationNorthern Michigan University (BA)
Children2
AwardsNAACP National Equal Justice Award

Howard D. Schultz (born July 19, 1953) is an American businessman, author, and philanthropist who served as chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks across three separate tenures: from 1986 to 2000, from 2008 to 2017, and as interim CEO from 2022 to 2023. Born into a working-class family in the public housing projects of Brooklyn, New York, Schultz joined the then-small Seattle coffee roaster in 1982 and transformed it from a regional purveyor of whole-bean coffee into the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. He took the company public in 1992, oversaw an aggressive expansion strategy that reshaped coffee culture in the United States and abroad, and returned to lead the company through the 2008 financial crisis and again during a period of leadership transition in 2022. His approach to corporate management—which emphasized employee benefits, brand experience, and what Starbucks described as the concept of a "third place" between home and work—drew comparisons to Ray Kroc, the executive who built the McDonald's franchise empire.[1] Beyond Starbucks, Schultz owned the Seattle SuperSonics basketball team from 2001 to 2006, authored four books on business and leadership, and publicly explored independent candidacies for the U.S. presidency in multiple election cycles. In 2025, Schultz continued to engage publicly with Starbucks, appearing alongside CEO Brian Niccol to discuss the company's future direction.[2]

Early Life

Howard D. Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, in New York City. He grew up in the Bayview Housing Projects in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn, a federally subsidized public housing complex. His father held a series of blue-collar jobs, including work as a truck driver and factory worker, and the family struggled financially throughout Schultz's childhood. The experience of growing up in public housing and witnessing his father's lack of access to health insurance and workers' benefits had a formative effect on Schultz, shaping views he would later carry into his corporate leadership at Starbucks.[3]

Schultz was an athletic youth and earned a football scholarship to Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, becoming the first person in his family to attend college. At Northern Michigan, he studied communications and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[3]

After graduating from college, Schultz entered the business world through sales positions. He eventually joined Hammarplast, a Swedish housewares company, where he worked as a general manager. It was in this role that Schultz first encountered Starbucks. He noticed that a small coffee roasting company in Seattle was ordering an unusually large number of a particular type of drip coffeemaker, which piqued his curiosity and led him to visit the company's original store in Pike Place Market in 1981. Impressed by the quality of the coffee and the founders' dedication to the product, Schultz lobbied to join the company and was hired in 1982 as director of retail operations and marketing.[3]

Education

Schultz attended Northern Michigan University on a football scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications.[3] Northern Michigan University, a public university in Marquette, Michigan, later recognized Schultz as one of its most prominent alumni. In 2017, Schultz served as the commencement speaker at Arizona State University, with which Starbucks had established a partnership to provide tuition coverage for employees pursuing online degrees.[4]

Career

Early Years at Starbucks and Il Giornale

Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 as director of retail operations and marketing. At the time, the company operated a small number of stores in Seattle that sold whole-bean coffee and coffee-making equipment but did not serve brewed coffee beverages. During a business trip to Milan, Italy, in 1983, Schultz was struck by the Italian espresso bar culture—the sense of community, the ritual of espresso preparation, and the role of the coffeehouse as a social gathering place. He returned to Seattle convinced that Starbucks should adopt a similar model, serving espresso-based beverages in addition to selling beans.[3]

When the Starbucks founders proved reluctant to shift the company's business model, Schultz departed in 1985 to open his own coffeehouse chain, which he named Il Giornale, after the Italian newspaper. Il Giornale served brewed espresso drinks in an atmosphere inspired by the Italian coffee bars Schultz had visited. The concept proved successful, and in 1987, when the original Starbucks owners decided to sell the company, Schultz raised the capital necessary to purchase Starbucks and merged it with Il Giornale. He became chairman and CEO of the combined entity, rebranding all locations under the Starbucks name.[3]

Building the Starbucks Brand (1987–2000)

Under Schultz's leadership, Starbucks underwent a period of rapid expansion throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. The company grew from a handful of Seattle locations to a national and then international chain. A pivotal moment came in June 1992 when Starbucks held its initial public offering (IPO), with the company valued at approximately $271 million. The capital raised through the IPO enabled Schultz to double the store count through an aggressive growth strategy that attracted significant media attention and was characterized as part of a series of "coffee wars" as the specialty coffee market expanded.[5]

Schultz's management philosophy during this period centered on the idea that Starbucks stores should function as a "third place"—a comfortable environment between home and work where customers could linger, socialize, or work. He also implemented employee policies that were unusual in the retail and food-service industries at the time, including offering health insurance and stock options to part-time workers. Schultz frequently cited his father's experience as a blue-collar worker without benefits as motivation for these policies.[3]

The growth under Schultz's leadership was extensive enough that he was described as the "Ray Kroc of his generation," a reference to the businessman who expanded the McDonald's franchise into a global brand. Schultz stepped down as CEO in 2000 and was succeeded by Orin C. Smith, though he retained the position of chairman.[6]

Ownership of the Seattle SuperSonics (2001–2006)

In 2001, Schultz led an ownership group that purchased the Seattle SuperSonics, a National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise. His tenure as owner coincided with the team's participation in the 2006 Super Bowl celebration in Seattle—though the primary beneficiary of that event was widely seen as Paul Allen, owner of the Seattle Seahawks.[7]

Schultz's ownership of the SuperSonics became controversial in Seattle. He sold the team in 2006 to a group led by Clay Bennett of Oklahoma City. The sale eventually led to the team's relocation from Seattle to Oklahoma City, where it was rebranded as the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008. The loss of the SuperSonics was a source of significant frustration for Seattle sports fans, and Schultz faced public criticism and legal scrutiny related to the sale. A trial examined the circumstances of the transaction.[8] Public opinion polling in Seattle reflected widespread displeasure with Schultz's handling of the franchise.[9] In 2008, the Seattle Times published further reporting on Schultz's role in the team's departure.[10]

Return as CEO During the Financial Crisis (2008–2017)

By 2008, Starbucks was experiencing declining same-store sales, rising commodity costs, and a perception that the brand had lost its focus on coffee quality and the in-store experience during years of rapid expansion. The company's stock price had fallen significantly. Schultz returned as CEO in January 2008, succeeding Jim Donald, who had taken over after Orin Smith's retirement.[6]

Schultz's second tenure as CEO was marked by aggressive restructuring. He led the closure of hundreds of underperforming stores across the United States and oversaw significant layoffs at both the store and corporate levels, including the dismissal of senior executives. The restructuring was described as a mass firing of executives and employees as Schultz sought to refocus the company on its core identity.

In addition to cost-cutting measures, Schultz pursued a strategy of acquisitions, purchasing several American and Chinese beverage companies to diversify Starbucks' product portfolio. He introduced the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program nationally, which became one of the most widely used restaurant loyalty programs in the country. The company also expanded its commitment to fair trade standards under Schultz's direction, enforcing ethical sourcing practices for its coffee supply chain.

A key strategic priority during Schultz's second stint was the expansion of Starbucks in China, which he identified as the company's most important growth market outside the United States. His aggressive push into Chinese markets was credited with reconciling the country's deeply rooted tea culture with coffee consumption, introducing millions of Chinese consumers to coffeehouse culture. By the time Schultz stepped down as CEO in April 2017, Starbucks operated thousands of stores in China, and the market remained central to the company's long-term growth strategy.

Schultz was succeeded as CEO by Kevin Johnson in April 2017. He continued as executive chairman until June 2018, when he was succeeded in that role by Myron Ullman.[11]

Third Tenure as Interim CEO (2022–2023)

On March 16, 2022, Starbucks announced that CEO Kevin Johnson was retiring and that Schultz would return as interim CEO while the company searched for a permanent successor. The announcement came during a period of significant labor organizing activity at Starbucks locations across the United States. Schultz assumed the role and led the company through a transitional period until Laxman Narasimhan was named as the incoming CEO. On March 20, 2023, Schultz announced he would step down from the interim position ahead of the originally planned transition date, and Narasimhan formally took over the role in April 2023.

Post-Retirement Engagement

Following his departure from executive roles, Schultz continued to engage publicly with Starbucks and broader business issues. In June 2025, he made a surprise appearance at the Starbucks Leadership Experience event in Las Vegas, joining CEO Brian Niccol on stage. Schultz expressed enthusiasm for Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" strategy, telling attendees he "did a cartwheel" upon learning of the initiative, which emphasized a return to the company's core coffeehouse identity.[12] Schultz and Niccol discussed the enduring importance of Starbucks as a "third place" and delivering performance "through the lens of humanity."[13]

In July 2025, Schultz joined Niccol again during a partner (employee) Quarterly Connect event, telling Starbucks employees, "The world needs Starbucks," and expressing his belief in the company's future.[14]

In October 2025, Schultz spoke publicly about his concerns regarding artificial intelligence, stating in an interview with LinkedIn's editor-in-chief Daniel Roth that he was "Worried—with a big W—about AI."[15] He also discussed broader themes of leadership in uncertain times, drawing on his experience at Starbucks.[16][17]

Political Interests

Throughout his career, Schultz was affiliated with the Democratic Party before registering as an independent in 2019. He publicly considered running for the U.S. presidency in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 election cycles, each time as a potential independent candidate. He ultimately declined to enter all three contests. His political positions have been described as socially liberal and fiscally moderate. In foreign policy, he has been characterized as a "liberal hawk," favoring American-led international engagement.

Schultz was outspoken on social and political issues during his time at Starbucks. In 2013, responding to a shareholder who criticized the company's support of same-sex marriage, Schultz stated that the shareholder was free to sell their shares, a remark that received significant media coverage.[18]

Personal Life

Schultz has two children. He has been a resident of Seattle, Washington, for much of his adult life, having relocated there when he first joined Starbucks in 1982. His upbringing in the public housing projects of Brooklyn has been a recurring theme in his public remarks and writings, and he has frequently described the formative impact of his father's struggles as a blue-collar worker without health insurance or job security.[3]

Schultz and his family established the Schultz Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization focused on two primary areas: supporting military veterans in their transition to civilian life and combating youth unemployment in the United States.[19] In 2015, Schultz wrote an op-ed in The New York Times about the importance of connecting young people with employment opportunities.[20] The foundation's work was also covered by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, which reported on Schultz's philanthropic initiatives.[21]

Schultz has authored four books on business and leadership. His writings have covered topics including his personal story, the growth of Starbucks, corporate responsibility, and the challenges of leadership.

Recognition

Schultz has received recognition from multiple organizations for his business leadership and social engagement. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund honored him with the National Equal Justice Award at its 31st annual ceremony, recognizing his contributions to issues of social justice and equal opportunity.[22]

His leadership of Starbucks has been the subject of extensive business journalism and academic study. The comparison to Ray Kroc—describing Schultz as the "Ray Kroc of his generation"—reflected the scale of the transformation he oversaw in turning a small Seattle company into a global enterprise. Schultz's approach to employee benefits, including offering health coverage and stock options to part-time workers, was widely covered in business media as an example of stakeholder capitalism before the term became common corporate parlance.

In 2025, Forbes profiled Schultz on the topic of leading through uncertainty, highlighting his experience navigating the 2008 financial crisis and the challenges of multiple tenures at Starbucks.[23] Fast Company noted that even two years after retiring from the Starbucks board, Schultz's public statements continued to attract attention from business leaders and media.[24]

Legacy

Schultz's influence on the coffee industry and on American retail culture is a subject of significant discussion in business literature. Under his leadership, Starbucks grew from a single-city operation selling whole-bean coffee to a global chain with tens of thousands of locations. The company's expansion redefined how coffee was marketed, consumed, and experienced in the United States and internationally, contributing to the popularization of espresso-based beverages and the specialty coffee movement.

The "third place" concept that Schultz championed—the idea that Starbucks stores should serve as communal gathering spaces distinct from home and the workplace—became a defining element of the company's brand identity. In 2025, Schultz continued to reference this concept, collaborating with current CEO Brian Niccol to articulate a vision of Starbucks reclaiming its role as a "third place" and delivering performance "through the lens of humanity."[25]

Schultz's employee-benefit policies at Starbucks, including health insurance for part-time workers and the stock-option program known as "Bean Stock," were frequently cited as models for how large employers in the retail and food-service sectors could provide benefits traditionally associated with white-collar employment. His personal narrative—rising from a childhood in Brooklyn public housing to lead a Fortune 500 company—became a widely referenced example of the American self-made business story.

His legacy, however, is not without controversy. The sale of the Seattle SuperSonics, which resulted in the team's relocation to Oklahoma City, remains a point of contention in Seattle. Additionally, his multiple explorations of presidential bids without entering the race drew criticism from various political commentators.

Schultz's influence on Starbucks remained visible well after his formal departure from the company. His 2025 appearances alongside CEO Brian Niccol underscored his ongoing connection to the brand he built, with Schultz telling employees at a company event that "the world needs Starbucks."[26]

References

  1. ↑ "Howard Schultz: How to Do Good and Do Good Business".Masters of Scale.https://mastersofscale.com/howard-schultz-how-to-do-good-and-do-good-business/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ "Howard Schultz says he 'did a cartwheel' when Starbucks CEO Niccol coined 'back to Starbucks' strategy".CNBC.2025-06-11.https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/11/starbucks-howard-schultz-backs-ceo-brian-niccol.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 "Howard Schultz".Entrepreneur.http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ "Commencement Speaker: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz".Arizona State University.2017-03-13.https://asunow.asu.edu/20170313-asu-news-commencement-speaker-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "Starbucks Coffee Announces Initial Public Offering".The Free Library.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/STARBUCKS%20COFFEE%20ANNOUNCES%20INITIAL%20PUBLIC%20OFFERING-a012370965.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Starbucks Press Release".Starbucks.https://web.archive.org/web/20080117121159/http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=818.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ "Seattle Super Bowl scores points for Paul Allen, sacks Howard Schultz".TheStreet.http://www.thestreet.com/story/12287415/1/seattle-super-bowl-scores-points-for-paul-allen-sacks-howard-schultz.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "SuperSonics Trial Coverage".Seattle Post-Intelligencer.http://www.seattlepi.com/basketball/369313_trial03.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "Seattle SuperSonics Poll".Seattle Post-Intelligencer.http://www.seattlepi.com/polls/popup.asp?pollID=2983.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "Schultz and the SuperSonics".The Seattle Times.https://web.archive.org/web/20080419015637/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2004349361_schultz15.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ "Peter Mandelson: Starbucks Economy".The Guardian.2009-02-19.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/feb/19/peter-mandelson-starbucks-economy.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "Howard Schultz says he 'did a cartwheel' when Starbucks CEO Niccol coined 'back to Starbucks' strategy".CNBC.2025-06-11.https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/11/starbucks-howard-schultz-backs-ceo-brian-niccol.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ "Brian Niccol and Howard Schultz on reclaiming the third place and delivering performance 'through the lens of humanity'".Starbucks.2025-06-11.https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/brian-niccol-and-howard-schultz-on-reclaiming-the-third-place-and-delivering-performance-through-the-lens-of-humanity/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "Starbucks founder Howard Schultz joins CEO Brian Niccol during partner Quarterly Connect".Starbucks.2025-07-31.https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/starbucks-founder-howard-schultz-joins-ceo-brian-niccol-during-partner-quarterly-connect/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ "Howard Schultz Said He's Worried — 'With a Big W' — About AI".Business Insider.2025-10-14.https://www.businessinsider.com/howard-schultz-starbucks-worried-about-ai-2025-10.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ HayesJulianJulian"Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz On Leading Through Uncertainty".Forbes.2025-10-19.https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2025/10/19/former-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz-on-leading-through-uncertainty/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "Howard Schultz isn't running Starbucks anymore—but his latest warning should make every CEO listen".Fast Company.2025-10-16.https://www.fastcompany.com/91422968/howard-schultz-starbucks-warning-should-make-every-ceo-listen.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Howard Schultz to Anti-Gay-Marriage Starbucks Shareholder: You Can Sell Your Shares".Forbes.2013-03-22.https://www.forbes.com/sites/frederickallen/2013/03/22/howard-schultz-to-anti-gay-marriage-starbucks-shareholder-you-can-sell-your-shares/#4aed60586511.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ "Schultz Family Foundation".Schultz Family Foundation.http://www.schultzfamilyfoundation.org/#tab-switcher-1.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ "Connecting Young People With Jobs".The New York Times.2015-07-13.https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/13/opinion/connecting-young-people-with-jobs.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ "Starbucks's Schultz Opens New Foundation".Chronicle of Philanthropy.https://philanthropy.com/article/Starbuckss-Schultz-Opens-New/228699.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  22. ↑ "A Moment Now: NAACP Legal Defense 31st Annual National Equal Justice Awards".NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.http://www.naacpldf.org/press-release/moment-now-naacp-legal-31st-annual-national-equal-justice-awards.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  23. ↑ HayesJulianJulian"Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz On Leading Through Uncertainty".Forbes.2025-10-19.https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2025/10/19/former-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz-on-leading-through-uncertainty/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  24. ↑ "Howard Schultz isn't running Starbucks anymore—but his latest warning should make every CEO listen".Fast Company.2025-10-16.https://www.fastcompany.com/91422968/howard-schultz-starbucks-warning-should-make-every-ceo-listen.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  25. ↑ "Brian Niccol and Howard Schultz on reclaiming the third place and delivering performance 'through the lens of humanity'".Starbucks.2025-06-11.https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/brian-niccol-and-howard-schultz-on-reclaiming-the-third-place-and-delivering-performance-through-the-lens-of-humanity/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  26. ↑ "Starbucks founder Howard Schultz joins CEO Brian Niccol during partner Quarterly Connect".Starbucks.2025-07-31.https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/starbucks-founder-howard-schultz-joins-ceo-brian-niccol-during-partner-quarterly-connect/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

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