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| education    = [[Northern Michigan University]] (BA)
| education    = [[Northern Michigan University]] (BA)
| occupation  = Businessman, author
| occupation  = Businessman, author
| known_for    = Leadership of [[Starbucks]]; co-ownership of [[Seattle SuperSonics]]
| known_for    = Leadership of [[Starbucks]], co-ownership of [[Seattle SuperSonics]]
| children    = 2
| children    = 2
| 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. Under his leadership, Starbucks grew from a small Seattle-based coffee roaster into the largest coffeehouse chain in the world, a transformation that reshaped coffee culture 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 aggressive expansion, public offerings, and international growth strategies. Beyond Starbucks, Schultz owned the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] basketball team from 2001 to 2006 and has publicly explored the possibility of running for the [[President of the United States|U.S. presidency]] as an independent candidate. He is the author of four books on business and leadership, and through the [[Schultz Family Foundation]], he has directed philanthropic efforts toward supporting military veterans and addressing 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> In 2025, Schultz remained active as a public commentator on business leadership and corporate strategy, making appearances at Starbucks events alongside current CEO [[Brian Niccol]].<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>
'''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 in public housing in [[Brooklyn]], New York, Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 when it was a small Seattle-based coffee bean retailer, and over subsequent decades transformed it into the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. His leadership of the company — which included taking it public in 1992, orchestrating its international expansion, and returning twice to steer it through periods of crisis — has led to comparisons with [[Ray Kroc]], the businessman who built [[McDonald's]] into a global franchise. Beyond Starbucks, Schultz owned the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] basketball team from 2001 to 2006 and has publicly considered runs for the U.S. presidency as an independent candidate. He has written four books on business and leadership, and in 2025 continued to engage publicly with the company he built, appearing alongside current CEO [[Brian Niccol]] to discuss Starbucks' future direction.<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=June 11, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Through the Schultz Family Foundation, he has directed philanthropic efforts toward supporting military veterans and addressing 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>


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


Howard Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, in [[New York City]]. He grew up in the [[Bayview Houses]], a federally subsidized housing project in the [[Canarsie]] neighborhood of [[Brooklyn]].<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> Schultz's father held a series of blue-collar jobs, including work as a truck driver and factory worker. The family's financial struggles during Schultz's childhood left a lasting impression on him. In interviews, Schultz has frequently cited his upbringing in public housing as a formative influence on his later approach to employee benefits and corporate social responsibility at Starbucks.
Howard Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, in [[New York City]] and grew up in the Bayview Houses, a public housing project in the [[Canarsie]] neighborhood of [[Brooklyn]].<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> His father held a series of blue-collar jobs, and the family experienced financial hardship during Schultz's childhood. The experience of growing up in public housing and witnessing his father's lack of access to health insurance and worker benefits would later inform Schultz's approach to employee relations at Starbucks, where he championed benefits for part-time workers.


Schultz was the first member of his family to attend college. He attended [[Northern Michigan University]] in [[Marquette, Michigan]], where he earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree.<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=ASU Now, Arizona State University |date=2017-03-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His attendance at Northern Michigan was facilitated in part by an athletic scholarship. After graduating, Schultz entered the business world, eventually working in sales for the Hammarplast housewares company, a subsidiary of the Swedish firm Perstorp. It was through this position that Schultz first encountered Starbucks, after noticing that a small coffee company in Seattle was placing unusually large orders for a particular type of drip coffee maker. Intrigued, Schultz traveled to Seattle to visit the original Starbucks store, an experience that would set the course of his career.
Schultz attended [[Canarsie High School]] in Brooklyn, where he was an active athlete. His athletic abilities earned him a football scholarship to [[Northern Michigan University]] in [[Marquette, Michigan]], making him the first member of his family to attend college.<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>


== Education ==
== Education ==


Schultz earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree from [[Northern Michigan University]], a public university located in [[Marquette, Michigan]].<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=ASU Now, Arizona State University |date=2017-03-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He was the first person in his family to graduate from college. In later years, Schultz became an advocate for access to higher education, including through partnerships between Starbucks and [[Arizona State University]] that offered tuition reimbursement to eligible employees.
Schultz enrolled at [[Northern Michigan University]] on a football scholarship. He graduated with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in communications.<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> Schultz later returned to the university community in a prominent capacity; his alma mater has recognized his business achievements over the years. He also delivered the commencement address at [[Arizona State University]] in 2017.<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=March 13, 2017 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Early Career and Joining Starbucks ===
=== Early Career and Joining Starbucks ===


Schultz began working at Starbucks in 1982, joining the company as director of retail operations and marketing. At the time, Starbucks was a small Seattle-based retailer that sold whole coffee beans and coffee-making equipment but did not serve brewed coffee beverages. During a business trip to [[Milan]], Italy, Schultz observed the Italian [[espresso bar]] culture and became convinced that a similar model could succeed in the United States. He proposed that Starbucks begin serving espresso-based beverages in its stores, but the company's founders were reluctant to shift away from the existing retail model.
After graduating from Northern Michigan University, Schultz worked in sales for several companies, eventually joining Hammarplast, a Swedish housewares company, as a salesperson and later as a general manager. It was in this capacity that Schultz first encountered Starbucks. At the time, Starbucks was a small retailer in [[Seattle]] that sold whole coffee beans and coffee-making equipment, and Schultz noticed the company was ordering an unusually large number of drip coffee makers. Intrigued, he visited the company's original store in [[Pike Place Market]] in 1981.


Schultz subsequently left Starbucks and in 1985 founded '''Il Giornale''', a specialty coffeeshop that served brewed espresso drinks in the Italian style. The venture proved successful, and in 1987, with the backing of local investors, Schultz acquired the Starbucks brand and its six existing stores, merging them with Il Giornale. The combined company retained the Starbucks name, and Schultz became its chief executive officer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |publisher=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 as director of retail operations and marketing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |work=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> During a trip to [[Milan]], Italy, in 1983, Schultz was struck by the prevalence of Italian espresso bars and the role they played as community gathering places. He returned to Seattle with the idea of transforming Starbucks from a bean retailer into a coffeehouse serving espresso-based drinks, but the company's original owners were reluctant to adopt his vision.


=== First Tenure as CEO (1986–2000) ===
=== Il Giornale and Acquisition of Starbucks ===


Under Schultz's leadership during his first tenure as CEO, Starbucks underwent a dramatic expansion. The company grew from a handful of stores in the Pacific Northwest into a national and eventually international chain. A central element of Schultz's strategy was the concept of Starbucks as a "[[third place]]" — a comfortable environment between home and work where customers could gather and socialize over coffee.
Unable to persuade Starbucks' founders to shift the business model, Schultz left the company in 1985 and opened his own coffeehouse chain called '''Il Giornale''', named after the Italian newspaper. The Il Giornale stores served brewed espresso drinks in the Italian style and proved commercially successful. In 1987, when the original owners of Starbucks decided to sell the company, Schultz raised the necessary capital and acquired Starbucks, merging it with Il Giornale. He became chairman and CEO of the combined company and renamed all Il Giornale locations under the Starbucks brand.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |work=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In 1992, Schultz took Starbucks public with an [[initial public offering]] that valued the company at $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> The capital raised through the IPO enabled the company to double its store count in a period characterized by intense competition in the specialty coffee market, which observers described as the "coffee wars." Starbucks' expansion during this era was rapid and sustained, as the company opened stores across the United States and began its first forays into international markets.
=== Building Starbucks: 1987–2000 ===


Schultz also distinguished himself through employee-focused policies that were unusual in the retail and food-service industries. Starbucks offered stock options — branded as "Bean Stock" — and health-care benefits to both full-time and part-time employees, whom the company referred to as "partners." These policies drew attention from business commentators and were seen as reflecting Schultz's personal experiences growing up in a family without access to adequate health insurance.
Under Schultz's leadership during his first tenure as CEO (1986–2000), Starbucks underwent a period of rapid expansion that transformed it from a regional Pacific Northwest coffee company into a national and eventually international brand. Schultz emphasized the concept of the coffeehouse as a "[[third place]]" — a social environment separate from home and the workplace — and built the company's identity around the in-store experience as much as the product itself.


Following the large-scale expansion of the Starbucks brand during the 1990s, the company established itself as the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. Schultz's role in orchestrating this growth led to comparisons with [[Ray Kroc]], the businessman who built [[McDonald's]] into a global franchise, with Schultz described as "the Ray Kroc of his generation."
A pivotal moment in Starbucks' growth came in 1992, when Schultz took the company public with an [[initial public offering]] (IPO). At the time of the offering, Starbucks had a 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> The capital raised through the IPO enabled Schultz to double the company's store count in a series of aggressive expansions that were characterized by media observers as "coffee wars" with competing chains. The rapid proliferation of Starbucks locations throughout the 1990s had a measurable impact on coffee culture in Seattle, across the United States, and internationally.


Schultz stepped down as CEO of Starbucks in 2000 and was succeeded by [[Orin C. Smith]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Starbucks Coffee Company — 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> Schultz remained chairman of the board during this period.
Schultz's approach to employee relations distinguished Starbucks from many other retail and food-service companies. Drawing on his childhood experience of watching his father work jobs that offered no benefits, Schultz implemented programs including health insurance for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week and a stock option program called "Bean Stock" that extended equity ownership to hourly workers, whom the company referred to as "partners."


=== Ownership of the Seattle SuperSonics (2001–2006) ===
Due to the speed and scale of Starbucks' growth under his leadership, Schultz has been described as "the Ray Kroc of his generation," a reference to the businessman who built McDonald's into a global franchise system.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |work=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Schultz stepped down as CEO in 2000 and was succeeded by [[Orin C. Smith]], though he remained chairman of the board.<ref>{{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>


In 2001, Schultz purchased the [[Seattle SuperSonics]], a [[National Basketball Association]] franchise based in Seattle. His ownership tenure was marked by controversy, particularly regarding disputes over public funding for a new arena. Schultz's stewardship of the team was a subject of considerable debate in Seattle. In 2006, he sold the SuperSonics to a group led by Oklahoma City businessman [[Clay Bennett]].<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> The team subsequently relocated to [[Oklahoma City]] and was renamed the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]], a move that generated significant criticism of Schultz among Seattle sports fans.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trial coverage |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/basketball/369313_trial03.html |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Seattle public opinion poll |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/polls/popup.asp?pollID=2983 |publisher=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> A lawsuit related to the sale was eventually settled, but the departure of the SuperSonics from Seattle remained a point of contention for years.<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>
=== Ownership of the Seattle SuperSonics ===


=== Return as CEO (2008–2017) ===
In 2001, Schultz purchased the [[Seattle SuperSonics]], a [[National Basketball Association]] franchise, and the [[Seattle Storm]] of the [[Women's National Basketball Association]]. His ownership of the team was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding the team's eventual departure from Seattle. In 2006, Schultz sold the SuperSonics to a group led by Clay Bennett of [[Oklahoma City]]. The sale ultimately resulted in the team's relocation from Seattle to Oklahoma City, where it was renamed the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] in 2008.


By 2008, Starbucks was facing significant challenges. The company had overexpanded, same-store sales were declining, and the [[2008 financial crisis]] was putting pressure on consumer spending. Schultz returned as CEO in January 2008, succeeding [[Jim Donald]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Starbucks Coffee Company — 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>
The sale and relocation generated significant backlash in Seattle. A poll conducted by the ''[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]'' reflected widespread anger among fans and residents toward Schultz over the loss of the franchise.<ref>{{cite web |title=Poll |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/polls/popup.asp?pollID=2983 |publisher=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Schultz later expressed regret over the sale. Legal proceedings related to the team's departure included a trial that drew public attention.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trial report |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/basketball/369313_trial03.html |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Coverage of Schultz during the 2006 [[Super Bowl XL]], which was played in Seattle, noted the contrast between the football team's success and the uncertain future of the SuperSonics under Schultz's ownership.<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>


Upon his return, Schultz implemented a wide-ranging restructuring program. He ordered the closure of hundreds of underperforming stores across the United States, laid off thousands of employees, and replaced much of the company's executive leadership. The restructuring was designed to refocus the company on the quality of its core coffee offerings and the in-store customer experience. In one notable move, Schultz ordered all U.S. Starbucks stores to close simultaneously for an afternoon of barista retraining, a decision that attracted widespread media coverage.
=== Return to Starbucks: 2008–2017 ===


During his second tenure, Schultz also oversaw significant strategic initiatives. He orchestrated multiple acquisitions of American and Chinese beverage companies, expanding Starbucks' product portfolio. He introduced the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program on a national scale, which became one of the most successful customer loyalty programs in the retail industry. Schultz also enforced [[fair trade]] sourcing standards for Starbucks coffee, aligning the company with ethical supply chain practices.
By 2007 and into 2008, Starbucks was experiencing declining performance. The company had expanded aggressively under Schultz's successors, and many observers felt that the brand had lost its distinctiveness. The onset of the [[financial crisis of 2007–2008|2008 financial crisis]] further exacerbated the company's problems. In January 2008, Schultz returned as CEO, succeeding [[Jim Donald]].<ref>{{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>


A major focus of Schultz's second tenure was the aggressive expansion of Starbucks in [[China]], which he identified as the company's most important growth market outside the United States. His strategy of adapting the Starbucks model to Chinese consumer preferences — including incorporating tea-based beverages and designing stores that emphasized local aesthetics — has been credited with helping to reconcile China's traditional tea culture with growing coffee consumption.<ref>{{cite news |date=2009-02-19 |title=Peter Mandelson: Starbucks Economy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/feb/19/peter-mandelson-starbucks-economy |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Schultz's second tenure as CEO was characterized by a sweeping restructuring of the company. He initiated mass layoffs of corporate employees, replaced senior executives, and closed hundreds of underperforming stores across the United States. Schultz also oversaw the introduction of a national customer loyalty program, which became one of the most successful programs of its kind in the retail industry and a significant driver of repeat business.


Schultz stepped down as CEO of Starbucks in April 2017 and was succeeded by [[Kevin Johnson]].<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=ASU Now, Arizona State University |date=2017-03-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Schultz remained as executive chairman until June 2018, when he was succeeded in that role by [[Myron Ullman]].
During this period, Schultz pursued an aggressive international expansion strategy, with a particular focus on [[China]]. His efforts in the Chinese market have been credited with introducing coffee consumption to a country with a centuries-old tea-drinking culture. Starbucks' expansion in China became one of the company's most significant growth stories, with thousands of stores opening in Chinese cities. Schultz also orchestrated multiple acquisitions of American and Chinese beverage companies during this period to diversify the Starbucks portfolio.


=== Interim CEO (2022–2023) ===
Additionally, Schultz enforced [[fair trade]] standards in Starbucks' coffee sourcing, a move that aligned the company with growing consumer interest in ethical supply chains. British politician [[Peter Mandelson]] referenced Starbucks' position during discussions about the global economy in 2009.<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=February 19, 2009 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


On March 16, 2022, Starbucks announced that CEO Kevin Johnson was retiring and that Schultz would return to the company as interim CEO while the board conducted a search for a permanent successor. Schultz served in this capacity until [[Laxman Narasimhan]] assumed the CEO role in April 2023. On March 20, 2023, Schultz announced that he would step down early from the interim position. His third stint at the helm of Starbucks was marked by labor relations challenges, as a growing number of Starbucks stores voted to unionize during this period.
Schultz stepped down as CEO in April 2017, with [[Kevin Johnson]] succeeding him. He continued to serve as executive chairman until June 2018, when he was succeeded by [[Myron Ullman]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Frederick |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=March 22, 2013 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Post-Starbucks Activities ===
=== Third Tenure as Interim CEO: 2022–2023 ===


Following his departure from Starbucks, Schultz continued to engage publicly on matters of business leadership and corporate culture. In June 2025, he made a surprise appearance at the Starbucks Leadership Experience in Las Vegas, where he appeared alongside CEO Brian Niccol. Schultz expressed support for Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" strategy, stating that he "did a cartwheel" upon hearing about the initiative.<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> In a joint conversation with Niccol, Schultz reflected on the importance of Starbucks as a "third place" and spoke about 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 told Starbucks partners during a Quarterly Connect event that "the world needs Starbucks" and expressed 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>
On March 16, 2022, Starbucks announced that CEO Kevin Johnson was retiring and that Schultz would return as interim CEO, his third stint leading the company. He served in the role until [[Laxman Narasimhan]] took over as CEO. On March 20, 2023, Schultz announced that he would be stepping down from the position earlier than originally planned, and Narasimhan assumed the role in April 2023.


In October 2025, Schultz publicly expressed concern about the impact of [[artificial intelligence]], stating that he was "Worried — with a big W — about AI" during an interview with LinkedIn's editor in chief.<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 themes of leadership during uncertainty in media appearances, drawing on his experience navigating Starbucks through past crises.<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>
=== Post-CEO Activities ===


== Political Activities ==
After departing the CEO role for the final time, Schultz continued to engage publicly with Starbucks and the broader business community. In June 2025, he made a surprise appearance at the Starbucks Leadership Experience in Las Vegas, appearing alongside CEO [[Brian Niccol]]. According to CNBC, Schultz said he "did a cartwheel" when Niccol coined the "Back to Starbucks" strategy, signaling his endorsement of the new CEO's direction for the company.<ref>{{cite news |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 |date=June 11, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> During the company's partner Quarterly Connect in July 2025, Schultz told Starbucks partners (employees), "The world needs Starbucks," and expressed 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=July 31, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Schultz has been politically active outside of his business career. He was registered as a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] before 2019, when he changed his affiliation to [[Independent (politician)|independent]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |publisher=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His political positions have been characterized as socially liberal and fiscally moderate.
In October 2025, Schultz spoke publicly about emerging technology, stating that he was "Worried — with a big W" about the implications of [[artificial intelligence]], expressing concerns about the technology's broader societal impact.<ref>{{cite news |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 |date=October 14, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> ''Forbes'' profiled him in the same month, quoting his views on leadership during periods of uncertainty: "True leadership is defined in the toughest moments, not the smooth."<ref>{{cite news |last=Hayes |first=Julian |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 |date=October 19, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> ''Fast Company'' noted that even two years after departing the board of directors, Schultz's public commentary on the company and the retail industry continued to attract attention.<ref>{{cite news |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 |date=October 16, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Schultz publicly considered running for [[President of the United States]] in 2012, 2016, and 2020, each time as an independent candidate. He ultimately declined to enter all three contests. His exploration of a 2020 presidential bid, announced in early 2019, drew particular attention and criticism from members of the Democratic Party who argued that an independent candidacy could split the vote and benefit the Republican nominee.
== Political Activity ==


In 2013, Schultz responded publicly to a Starbucks shareholder who criticized the company's support for [[same-sex marriage]], telling the shareholder that they could "sell your shares" if they disagreed with the company's position.<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 been politically active outside of his business career. He was a registered [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] before changing his affiliation to [[Independent (politics)|independent]] in 2019. 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.


In foreign policy, Schultz has been described as a "liberal hawk," favoring American-led international engagement.
Schultz publicly considered running for president of the United States on three separate occasions — in 2012, 2016, and 2020 — each time as a potential independent candidate. He declined to enter all three contests. His most publicized exploration came ahead of the 2020 election, when his potential candidacy drew both attention and criticism, with some Democratic Party figures arguing that an independent bid could split the vote and aid Republican candidates.


== Personal Life ==
In 2013, during a Starbucks annual shareholders meeting, Schultz responded to a shareholder who opposed the company's support for same-sex marriage by telling him, "You can sell your shares."<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Frederick |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=March 22, 2013 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
== Philanthropy ==
 
Schultz established the '''Schultz Family Foundation''', which focuses on two primary areas: supporting military veterans transitioning to civilian life and combating 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 Schultz has two children. He has kept many details of his family life private. Schultz has spoken publicly about the influence of his childhood in the Bayview Houses, a public housing project in Brooklyn, New York, on his values and leadership philosophy. He has described his father's lack of access to health insurance and worker benefits as motivating his decision to offer comprehensive benefits to Starbucks employees.<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>
In 2015, Schultz authored an opinion piece in ''[[The New York Times]]'' addressing the need to connect young people with employment opportunities, a cause the foundation had taken up as a central initiative.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schultz |first=Howard |date=July 13, 2015 |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 ''Chronicle of Philanthropy'' reported on the foundation's expanded programs aimed at addressing these issues.<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 is the author of four books on business and leadership. His published works have addressed topics including entrepreneurship, corporate responsibility, and the story of Starbucks' growth.
== Personal Life ==


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.<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 opinion piece for ''[[The New York Times]]'' 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 activities have also been covered by ''[[The Chronicle of Philanthropy]]''.<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>
Schultz has two children. He was previously affiliated with the Democratic Party before registering as an independent in 2019. He resides in the Seattle area. Schultz has authored four books on business and leadership.


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Schultz has received a number of honors and awards throughout his career. He received the '''National Equal Justice Award''' from the [[NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund]] at the organization's 31st annual ceremony, in recognition of his efforts related to social justice and corporate responsibility.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Moment Now: NAACP Legal 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 Fund |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Schultz has received recognition from a number of organizations for his business leadership and social engagement. The [[NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund]] honored him at its 31st Annual National Equal Justice Awards ceremony.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Moment Now: NAACP Legal 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 was selected as the commencement speaker at [[Arizona State University]] in 2017, reflecting his public profile as a business leader and advocate for access to education.<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=ASU Now, Arizona State University |date=2017-03-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Arizona State University selected Schultz as its 2017 commencement speaker, recognizing his contributions to business and education initiatives, including a partnership between Starbucks and ASU that provided online college degrees for Starbucks employees.<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=March 13, 2017 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


''Forbes'' has profiled Schultz extensively over the years. As of October 2020, ''Forbes'' listed Schultz as the 209th-richest person in the United States. In 2025, ''Forbes'' continued to feature Schultz in articles about business leadership, describing his approach to navigating corporate 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>
''Forbes'' has recognized Schultz on its lists of notable American business figures. In October 2020, the publication ranked him as the 209th-richest person in the United States.
 
Schultz's impact on the coffee industry and corporate America has been the subject of analysis in outlets including ''[[The Guardian]]'', ''[[Fast Company]]'', ''[[Business Insider]]'', and ''CNBC''. His return to Starbucks during periods of crisis — particularly the 2008 financial downturn and the 2022 leadership transition — has been studied as a case in corporate turnaround management.


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Howard Schultz's career at Starbucks fundamentally altered the specialty coffee industry in the United States and internationally. By adapting the Italian espresso bar model for American consumers and scaling it through aggressive expansion, Schultz transformed Starbucks from a regional coffee bean retailer into a global brand with tens of thousands of locations. The concept of the coffeehouse as a "third place" — a term Schultz frequently invoked — became central to the company's identity and influenced broader trends in retail and hospitality.<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 impact on the global coffee industry and on American retail culture has been substantial. His development of Starbucks from a small Seattle retailer into the world's largest coffeehouse chain altered the way coffee is consumed and marketed in the United States and internationally. The concept of the coffeehouse as a "third place" — a term Schultz championed — became central to the company's brand identity and influenced the broader hospitality and retail industries.


Schultz's employee benefit policies — including the extension of health insurance and stock options to part-time workers — set a precedent that was unusual in the food-service industry at the time. These policies became a frequently cited example in discussions of [[corporate social responsibility]] and stakeholder capitalism.
In June 2025, Schultz and CEO Brian Niccol publicly discussed the importance of preserving the "third place" concept, with Schultz reflecting on the company's legacy and the importance of "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=June 11, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


His expansion of Starbucks into China, and the strategy of adapting the brand to local cultural norms including tea traditions, is considered a significant case study in international business. The comparison to [[Ray Kroc]], the architect of the [[McDonald's]] franchise system, reflects the scale and cultural impact of Schultz's work at Starbucks.
His employee benefits programs, including health insurance for part-time workers and stock options for hourly employees, were adopted at a time when such practices were uncommon in the food-service and retail industries. These policies influenced other companies to reconsider their approach to employee compensation and benefits.


As of 2025, Schultz continued to engage with the Starbucks community and broader business audiences, emphasizing themes of humanity-centered leadership and the enduring importance of physical retail spaces in an increasingly digital economy.<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><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>
Schultz's three separate tenures as CEO of Starbucks — spanning from the company's early growth through its IPO, through a major financial crisis, and through a period of leadership transition — represent an unusual pattern in American corporate leadership. His willingness to return to the company during periods of difficulty, and the restructuring he carried out during his 2008 return, have been studied in business schools as examples of corporate turnaround strategy.


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:American philanthropists]]
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[[Category:American authors]]
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Revision as of 00:47, 24 February 2026



Howard Schultz
Schultz in 2019
Howard Schultz
Born19 7, 1953
BirthplaceNew York City, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBusinessman, author
Known forLeadership of Starbucks, co-ownership of Seattle SuperSonics
EducationNorthern Michigan University (BA)
Children2

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 in public housing in Brooklyn, New York, Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 when it was a small Seattle-based coffee bean retailer, and over subsequent decades transformed it into the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. His leadership of the company — which included taking it public in 1992, orchestrating its international expansion, and returning twice to steer it through periods of crisis — has led to comparisons with Ray Kroc, the businessman who built McDonald's into a global franchise. Beyond Starbucks, Schultz owned the Seattle SuperSonics basketball team from 2001 to 2006 and has publicly considered runs for the U.S. presidency as an independent candidate. He has written four books on business and leadership, and in 2025 continued to engage publicly with the company he built, appearing alongside current CEO Brian Niccol to discuss Starbucks' future direction.[1] Through the Schultz Family Foundation, he has directed philanthropic efforts toward supporting military veterans and addressing youth unemployment.[2]

Early Life

Howard Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, in New York City and grew up in the Bayview Houses, a public housing project in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn.[3] His father held a series of blue-collar jobs, and the family experienced financial hardship during Schultz's childhood. The experience of growing up in public housing and witnessing his father's lack of access to health insurance and worker benefits would later inform Schultz's approach to employee relations at Starbucks, where he championed benefits for part-time workers.

Schultz attended Canarsie High School in Brooklyn, where he was an active athlete. His athletic abilities earned him a football scholarship to Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, making him the first member of his family to attend college.[4]

Education

Schultz enrolled at Northern Michigan University on a football scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications.[5] Schultz later returned to the university community in a prominent capacity; his alma mater has recognized his business achievements over the years. He also delivered the commencement address at Arizona State University in 2017.[6]

Career

Early Career and Joining Starbucks

After graduating from Northern Michigan University, Schultz worked in sales for several companies, eventually joining Hammarplast, a Swedish housewares company, as a salesperson and later as a general manager. It was in this capacity that Schultz first encountered Starbucks. At the time, Starbucks was a small retailer in Seattle that sold whole coffee beans and coffee-making equipment, and Schultz noticed the company was ordering an unusually large number of drip coffee makers. Intrigued, he visited the company's original store in Pike Place Market in 1981.

Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 as director of retail operations and marketing.[7] During a trip to Milan, Italy, in 1983, Schultz was struck by the prevalence of Italian espresso bars and the role they played as community gathering places. He returned to Seattle with the idea of transforming Starbucks from a bean retailer into a coffeehouse serving espresso-based drinks, but the company's original owners were reluctant to adopt his vision.

Il Giornale and Acquisition of Starbucks

Unable to persuade Starbucks' founders to shift the business model, Schultz left the company in 1985 and opened his own coffeehouse chain called Il Giornale, named after the Italian newspaper. The Il Giornale stores served brewed espresso drinks in the Italian style and proved commercially successful. In 1987, when the original owners of Starbucks decided to sell the company, Schultz raised the necessary capital and acquired Starbucks, merging it with Il Giornale. He became chairman and CEO of the combined company and renamed all Il Giornale locations under the Starbucks brand.[8]

Building Starbucks: 1987–2000

Under Schultz's leadership during his first tenure as CEO (1986–2000), Starbucks underwent a period of rapid expansion that transformed it from a regional Pacific Northwest coffee company into a national and eventually international brand. Schultz emphasized the concept of the coffeehouse as a "third place" — a social environment separate from home and the workplace — and built the company's identity around the in-store experience as much as the product itself.

A pivotal moment in Starbucks' growth came in 1992, when Schultz took the company public with an initial public offering (IPO). At the time of the offering, Starbucks had a valuation of $271 million.[9] The capital raised through the IPO enabled Schultz to double the company's store count in a series of aggressive expansions that were characterized by media observers as "coffee wars" with competing chains. The rapid proliferation of Starbucks locations throughout the 1990s had a measurable impact on coffee culture in Seattle, across the United States, and internationally.

Schultz's approach to employee relations distinguished Starbucks from many other retail and food-service companies. Drawing on his childhood experience of watching his father work jobs that offered no benefits, Schultz implemented programs including health insurance for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week and a stock option program called "Bean Stock" that extended equity ownership to hourly workers, whom the company referred to as "partners."

Due to the speed and scale of Starbucks' growth under his leadership, Schultz has been described as "the Ray Kroc of his generation," a reference to the businessman who built McDonald's into a global franchise system.[10] Schultz stepped down as CEO in 2000 and was succeeded by Orin C. Smith, though he remained chairman of the board.[11]

Ownership of the Seattle SuperSonics

In 2001, Schultz purchased the Seattle SuperSonics, a National Basketball Association franchise, and the Seattle Storm of the Women's National Basketball Association. His ownership of the team was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding the team's eventual departure from Seattle. In 2006, Schultz sold the SuperSonics to a group led by Clay Bennett of Oklahoma City. The sale ultimately resulted in the team's relocation from Seattle to Oklahoma City, where it was renamed the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008.

The sale and relocation generated significant backlash in Seattle. A poll conducted by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reflected widespread anger among fans and residents toward Schultz over the loss of the franchise.[12] Schultz later expressed regret over the sale. Legal proceedings related to the team's departure included a trial that drew public attention.[13] Coverage of Schultz during the 2006 Super Bowl XL, which was played in Seattle, noted the contrast between the football team's success and the uncertain future of the SuperSonics under Schultz's ownership.[14]

Return to Starbucks: 2008–2017

By 2007 and into 2008, Starbucks was experiencing declining performance. The company had expanded aggressively under Schultz's successors, and many observers felt that the brand had lost its distinctiveness. The onset of the 2008 financial crisis further exacerbated the company's problems. In January 2008, Schultz returned as CEO, succeeding Jim Donald.[15]

Schultz's second tenure as CEO was characterized by a sweeping restructuring of the company. He initiated mass layoffs of corporate employees, replaced senior executives, and closed hundreds of underperforming stores across the United States. Schultz also oversaw the introduction of a national customer loyalty program, which became one of the most successful programs of its kind in the retail industry and a significant driver of repeat business.

During this period, Schultz pursued an aggressive international expansion strategy, with a particular focus on China. His efforts in the Chinese market have been credited with introducing coffee consumption to a country with a centuries-old tea-drinking culture. Starbucks' expansion in China became one of the company's most significant growth stories, with thousands of stores opening in Chinese cities. Schultz also orchestrated multiple acquisitions of American and Chinese beverage companies during this period to diversify the Starbucks portfolio.

Additionally, Schultz enforced fair trade standards in Starbucks' coffee sourcing, a move that aligned the company with growing consumer interest in ethical supply chains. British politician Peter Mandelson referenced Starbucks' position during discussions about the global economy in 2009.[16]

Schultz stepped down as CEO in April 2017, with Kevin Johnson succeeding him. He continued to serve as executive chairman until June 2018, when he was succeeded by Myron Ullman.[17]

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, his third stint leading the company. He served in the role until Laxman Narasimhan took over as CEO. On March 20, 2023, Schultz announced that he would be stepping down from the position earlier than originally planned, and Narasimhan assumed the role in April 2023.

Post-CEO Activities

After departing the CEO role for the final time, Schultz continued to engage publicly with Starbucks and the broader business community. In June 2025, he made a surprise appearance at the Starbucks Leadership Experience in Las Vegas, appearing alongside CEO Brian Niccol. According to CNBC, Schultz said he "did a cartwheel" when Niccol coined the "Back to Starbucks" strategy, signaling his endorsement of the new CEO's direction for the company.[18] During the company's partner Quarterly Connect in July 2025, Schultz told Starbucks partners (employees), "The world needs Starbucks," and expressed his belief in the company's future.[19]

In October 2025, Schultz spoke publicly about emerging technology, stating that he was "Worried — with a big W" about the implications of artificial intelligence, expressing concerns about the technology's broader societal impact.[20] Forbes profiled him in the same month, quoting his views on leadership during periods of uncertainty: "True leadership is defined in the toughest moments, not the smooth."[21] Fast Company noted that even two years after departing the board of directors, Schultz's public commentary on the company and the retail industry continued to attract attention.[22]

Political Activity

Schultz has been politically active outside of his business career. He was a registered Democrat before changing his affiliation to independent in 2019. 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 publicly considered running for president of the United States on three separate occasions — in 2012, 2016, and 2020 — each time as a potential independent candidate. He declined to enter all three contests. His most publicized exploration came ahead of the 2020 election, when his potential candidacy drew both attention and criticism, with some Democratic Party figures arguing that an independent bid could split the vote and aid Republican candidates.

In 2013, during a Starbucks annual shareholders meeting, Schultz responded to a shareholder who opposed the company's support for same-sex marriage by telling him, "You can sell your shares."[23]

Philanthropy

Schultz established the Schultz Family Foundation, which focuses on two primary areas: supporting military veterans transitioning to civilian life and combating youth unemployment.[24]

In 2015, Schultz authored an opinion piece in The New York Times addressing the need to connect young people with employment opportunities, a cause the foundation had taken up as a central initiative.[25] The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported on the foundation's expanded programs aimed at addressing these issues.[26]

Personal Life

Schultz has two children. He was previously affiliated with the Democratic Party before registering as an independent in 2019. He resides in the Seattle area. Schultz has authored four books on business and leadership.

Recognition

Schultz has received recognition from a number of organizations for his business leadership and social engagement. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund honored him at its 31st Annual National Equal Justice Awards ceremony.[27]

Arizona State University selected Schultz as its 2017 commencement speaker, recognizing his contributions to business and education initiatives, including a partnership between Starbucks and ASU that provided online college degrees for Starbucks employees.[28]

Forbes has recognized Schultz on its lists of notable American business figures. In October 2020, the publication ranked him as the 209th-richest person in the United States.

Legacy

Schultz's impact on the global coffee industry and on American retail culture has been substantial. His development of Starbucks from a small Seattle retailer into the world's largest coffeehouse chain altered the way coffee is consumed and marketed in the United States and internationally. The concept of the coffeehouse as a "third place" — a term Schultz championed — became central to the company's brand identity and influenced the broader hospitality and retail industries.

In June 2025, Schultz and CEO Brian Niccol publicly discussed the importance of preserving the "third place" concept, with Schultz reflecting on the company's legacy and the importance of "delivering performance through the lens of humanity."[29]

His employee benefits programs, including health insurance for part-time workers and stock options for hourly employees, were adopted at a time when such practices were uncommon in the food-service and retail industries. These policies influenced other companies to reconsider their approach to employee compensation and benefits.

Schultz's three separate tenures as CEO of Starbucks — spanning from the company's early growth through its IPO, through a major financial crisis, and through a period of leadership transition — represent an unusual pattern in American corporate leadership. His willingness to return to the company during periods of difficulty, and the restructuring he carried out during his 2008 return, have been studied in business schools as examples of corporate turnaround strategy.

References

  1. ↑ "Brian Niccol and Howard Schultz on reclaiming the third place and delivering performance 'through the lens of humanity'".Starbucks.June 11, 2025.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.
  2. ↑ "Schultz Family Foundation".Schultz Family Foundation.http://www.schultzfamilyfoundation.org/#tab-switcher-1.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ "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.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ "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.
  6. ↑ "Commencement Speaker: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz".Arizona State University.March 13, 2017.https://asunow.asu.edu/20170313-asu-news-commencement-speaker-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ "Howard Schultz".Entrepreneur.http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "Howard Schultz".Entrepreneur.http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "Starbucks Coffee Announces Initial Public Offering".The Free Library.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/STARBUCKS%20COFFEE%20ANNOUNCES%20INITIAL%20PUBLIC%20OFFERING-a012370965.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "Howard Schultz".Entrepreneur.http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ "Starbucks Press Release".Starbucks.https://web.archive.org/web/20080117121159/http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=818.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "Poll".Seattle Post-Intelligencer.http://www.seattlepi.com/polls/popup.asp?pollID=2983.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ "Trial report".Seattle Post-Intelligencer.http://www.seattlepi.com/basketball/369313_trial03.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "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.
  15. ↑ "Starbucks Press Release".Starbucks.https://web.archive.org/web/20080117121159/http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=818.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "Peter Mandelson Starbucks Economy".The Guardian.February 19, 2009.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/feb/19/peter-mandelson-starbucks-economy.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ AllenFrederickFrederick"Howard Schultz to Anti-Gay-Marriage Starbucks Shareholder: 'You Can Sell Your Shares'".Forbes.March 22, 2013.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.
  18. ↑ "Howard Schultz says he 'did a cartwheel' when Starbucks CEO Niccol coined 'back to Starbucks' strategy".CNBC.June 11, 2025.https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/11/starbucks-howard-schultz-backs-ceo-brian-niccol.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ "Starbucks founder Howard Schultz joins ceo Brian Niccol during partner Quarterly Connect".Starbucks.July 31, 2025.https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/starbucks-founder-howard-schultz-joins-ceo-brian-niccol-during-partner-quarterly-connect/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ "Howard Schultz Said He's Worried — 'With a Big W' — About AI".Business Insider.October 14, 2025.https://www.businessinsider.com/howard-schultz-starbucks-worried-about-ai-2025-10.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ HayesJulianJulian"Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz On Leading Through Uncertainty".Forbes.October 19, 2025.https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2025/10/19/former-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz-on-leading-through-uncertainty/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  22. ↑ "Howard Schultz isn't running Starbucks anymore—but his latest warning should make every CEO listen".Fast Company.October 16, 2025.https://www.fastcompany.com/91422968/howard-schultz-starbucks-warning-should-make-every-ceo-listen.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  23. ↑ AllenFrederickFrederick"Howard Schultz to Anti-Gay-Marriage Starbucks Shareholder: 'You Can Sell Your Shares'".Forbes.March 22, 2013.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.
  24. ↑ "Schultz Family Foundation".Schultz Family Foundation.http://www.schultzfamilyfoundation.org/#tab-switcher-1.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  25. ↑ SchultzHowardHoward"Connecting Young People With Jobs".The New York Times.July 13, 2015.https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/13/opinion/connecting-young-people-with-jobs.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  26. ↑ "Starbucks's Schultz Opens New Foundation".Chronicle of Philanthropy.https://philanthropy.com/article/Starbuckss-Schultz-Opens-New/228699.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  27. ↑ "A Moment Now: NAACP Legal 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.
  28. ↑ "Commencement Speaker: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz".Arizona State University.March 13, 2017.https://asunow.asu.edu/20170313-asu-news-commencement-speaker-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  29. ↑ "Brian Niccol and Howard Schultz on reclaiming the third place and delivering performance 'through the lens of humanity'".Starbucks.June 11, 2025.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.

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