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'''Howard D. Schultz''' (born July 19, 1953) is an American businessman and author 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 rose to become one of the most prominent figures in the American coffee industry and in global retail. He joined Starbucks in 1982 when it was a small chain of coffee bean retailers in Seattle, and after a brief departure to found his own coffeehouse, Il Giornale, he returned to acquire and transform Starbucks into the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. Under his leadership, Starbucks went from a regional curiosity to a global brand with tens of thousands of locations, fundamentally reshaping coffee culture in the United States and abroad. Schultz took the company public in 1992 and oversaw decades of expansion, including aggressive growth in Chinese markets that introduced coffee consumption to a country rooted in tea culture. He has been described as the "Ray Kroc of his generation" for his role in scaling Starbucks through franchising and corporate strategy.<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, has authored four books on business, and publicly explored presidential candidacies in 2012, 2016, and 2020 as a political independent. 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. 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>


== 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]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |publisher=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His father held a series of blue-collar jobs, including work as a truck driver, factory worker, and cab driver, and the family struggled financially throughout Schultz's childhood. These early experiences with economic hardship would later inform Schultz's approach to employee benefits and corporate social responsibility at Starbucks.
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.


Schultz attended Canarsie High School in Brooklyn, where he was an athletic student. He earned a football scholarship to [[Northern Michigan University]] in Marquette, Michigan, becoming the first person in his family to attend college. At Northern Michigan, Schultz studied communications and graduated with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |publisher=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
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.
 
After graduating from college, Schultz entered the workforce in sales and marketing roles. He eventually took a position with Hammarplast, a Swedish housewares company, where he worked as a general manager. It was through his work at Hammarplast that Schultz first encountered Starbucks. He noticed that a small coffee bean retailer in Seattle was placing unusually large orders for a particular type of drip coffeemaker, which piqued his curiosity and prompted him to visit the company's Pike Place Market store. That visit in 1981 proved to be a turning point: Schultz was struck by the quality of the coffee and the passion of the company's founders — Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker — for sourcing and roasting premium coffee beans.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Schultz attended [[Northern Michigan University]] in Marquette, Michigan, on a football scholarship. He earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in communications from the university.<ref>{{cite web |title=Howard Schultz |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728 |publisher=Entrepreneur |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Schultz was the first member of his family to attend and graduate from a four-year college. In 2017, [[Arizona State University]] invited Schultz to serve as commencement speaker, reflecting his status in American business and higher education circles.<ref>{{cite web |title=ASU 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 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.


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Early Years at Starbucks and the Founding of Il Giornale ===
=== Early Career and Joining Starbucks ===


Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 as director of retail operations and marketing. At the time, Starbucks operated as a retailer of whole coffee beans and equipment, not as a coffeehouse serving brewed beverages. During a business trip to Milan, Italy, Schultz visited numerous Italian espresso bars and was inspired by the communal, café-centered culture surrounding coffee in Italy. He became convinced that Starbucks could replicate this experience in the United States by serving espresso-based drinks in a welcoming, social atmosphere — what he would later describe as a "third place" between home and work.
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.


Schultz's vision for transforming Starbucks into a coffeehouse met resistance from the company's original founders, who preferred to remain focused on selling coffee beans. In 1985, Schultz left Starbucks and founded '''Il Giornale''', an Italian-style coffeehouse in Seattle that served brewed espresso beverages. Il Giornale proved successful and attracted investors. In 1987, when the original Starbucks owners decided to sell the company, Schultz raised approximately $3.8 million and acquired Starbucks, merging it with Il Giornale. He became the chief executive officer of the combined company, retaining the Starbucks name and logo.<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 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>


=== First Tenure as CEO (1986–2000) ===
=== First Tenure as CEO (1986–2000) ===


Under Schultz's leadership during his first tenure as CEO, Starbucks underwent a dramatic transformation from a small Seattle-based chain into a national and eventually international brand. Schultz pursued an aggressive expansion strategy, opening new stores at a rapid pace across the United States. A central element of his approach was the concept of the Starbucks store as a "third place" — a comfortable social environment distinct from home and office — which became a defining feature of the brand's identity.
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.
 
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.


In 1992, Schultz took Starbucks public with an [[initial public offering]] that valued the company at $271 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Starbucks Coffee Announces Initial Public Offering |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/STARBUCKS%20COFFEE%20ANNOUNCES%20INITIAL%20PUBLIC%20OFFERING-a012370965 |work=The Free Library |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The capital raised through the IPO enabled Schultz to accelerate the company's expansion, doubling the number of Starbucks stores in what the media described as a series of "coffee wars" with competitors. By the late 1990s, Starbucks had established a presence in major markets across the United States and had begun expanding internationally.
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.


Schultz also distinguished himself through his employee-relations policies. He introduced health insurance benefits for part-time employees and implemented a stock-option plan called "Bean Stock" that extended equity ownership to all employees, whom Starbucks referred to as "partners." These policies were unusual in the retail and food-service industries at the time and contributed to Starbucks' reputation as a relatively progressive employer.
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."


In 2000, Schultz stepped down as CEO, handing the position to [[Orin C. Smith]], while retaining the role of chairman of the board.<ref>{{cite web |title=Starbucks Coffee Company CEO Transition |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117121159/http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=818 |publisher=Starbucks |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Due to the scale and speed of Starbucks' growth under his leadership, Schultz was frequently compared to [[Ray Kroc]], the businessman who transformed [[McDonald's]] into a global franchise, and was described as the "Ray Kroc of his generation."
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.


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


In 2001, Schultz purchased the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA). His ownership of the team was marked by controversy, particularly regarding the issue of a new arena. Schultz sought public funding for a new arena to replace the aging KeyArena, but the effort failed to gain sufficient political and public support in Seattle.<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 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>


In 2006, Schultz sold the SuperSonics to a group led by Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett. The sale proved deeply unpopular in Seattle, as Bennett subsequently relocated the franchise to Oklahoma City, where it became the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]]. A lawsuit followed, and a trial examined the circumstances of the sale.<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> Public opinion polls conducted by the ''Seattle Post-Intelligencer'' indicated significant negative sentiment toward Schultz in Seattle over the loss of the team.<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> The ''Seattle Times'' reported extensively on the fallout from the sale and Schultz's role in the franchise's departure from the city.<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>
=== Return as CEO (2008–2017) ===


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


By 2007, Starbucks was experiencing significant challenges. Rapid over-expansion had diluted the brand, same-store sales were declining, and the company's stock price had fallen sharply. The onset of the [[2008 financial crisis]] compounded these problems. In January 2008, Schultz returned as CEO, succeeding Jim Donald, who had taken over from Orin Smith.<ref>{{cite web |title=Starbucks Coffee Company CEO Transition |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117121159/http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=818 |publisher=Starbucks |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.


Schultz's return was accompanied by sweeping changes. He led a significant restructuring that included the firing of senior executives and the elimination of thousands of positions across the company. He ordered the closure of hundreds of underperforming stores in the United States. In a widely publicized move, Schultz temporarily shut down all U.S. Starbucks locations for an afternoon of retraining baristas in espresso preparation, a symbolic gesture aimed at refocusing the company on the quality of its core product.
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.


During his second tenure, Schultz orchestrated multiple acquisitions to diversify the Starbucks portfolio, including purchases of American and Chinese beverage companies. He introduced and expanded Starbucks' national loyalty program, which used digital technology and mobile payments to deepen customer engagement. He also enforced fair trade standards in the company's coffee sourcing, building on Starbucks' earlier commitments to ethical sourcing practices.
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>


A major strategic focus of Schultz's second tenure was the expansion of Starbucks into [[China]]. Schultz invested heavily in opening stores across Chinese cities, and his aggressive expansion in Chinese markets has been credited with helping to introduce coffee consumption to a country with a deeply established tea-drinking culture. Peter Mandelson, then the UK's Secretary of State for Business, referenced Schultz and Starbucks in the context of global economic trends during the financial crisis.<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 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]].


Schultz stepped down as CEO in April 2017, handing the role to [[Kevin Johnson]], a former technology executive who had served as Starbucks' president and chief operating officer. Schultz continued as executive chairman until June 2018, when he was succeeded by [[Myron Ullman]].<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=2025-06-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== 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 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.


On March 16, 2022, Starbucks announced that Kevin Johnson was retiring and that Schultz would return as interim CEO until a permanent successor was identified. During this third tenure, Schultz navigated the company through a period marked by unionization efforts at numerous Starbucks locations across the United States, as well as ongoing challenges related to labor relations and operational efficiency. Schultz served as interim CEO until [[Laxman Narasimhan]] assumed the permanent CEO role. On March 20, 2023, Schultz announced he would step down from the interim position ahead of schedule.
=== Post-Starbucks Activities ===


=== Post-CEO Involvement ===
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>


Following his departure from formal leadership, Schultz has continued to engage publicly with Starbucks' direction and broader business issues. In June 2025, Schultz made a surprise appearance at Starbucks' Leadership Experience event in Las Vegas, joining CEO [[Brian Niccol]]. Schultz expressed strong support for Niccol's "back to Starbucks" strategy, which emphasized a return to the company's coffeehouse roots and the "third place" concept that had defined Schultz's own leadership philosophy.<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=2025-06-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In a joint discussion, Schultz and Niccol reflected 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=2025-06-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
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>


In July 2025, Schultz addressed Starbucks partners (employees) during a Quarterly Connect event, stating, "The world needs Starbucks," and expressing confidence 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>
== Political Activities ==


In October 2025, Schultz spoke publicly about the risks of [[artificial intelligence]], stating he was "Worried — with a big W" about AI and its implications for business and society.<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=2025-10-14 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In a separate interview, he discussed the topic of leading through uncertainty, emphasizing that "true leadership is defined in the toughest moments."<ref>{{cite news |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=2025-10-19 |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.


== Political Activities ==
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.


Schultz has been politically active outside of his business career. He was a registered [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] for most of his adult life before changing his affiliation to [[independent (politics)|independent]] in 2019.
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 publicly considered running for [[President of the United States]] in three separate election cycles: 2012, 2016, and 2020. In each case, he explored the possibility of an independent candidacy but ultimately declined to enter the race. His 2020 exploration attracted significant media attention and criticism from Democratic politicians and strategists who feared that an independent candidacy could split the anti-Republican vote and aid the re-election of President [[Donald Trump]].
In foreign policy, Schultz has been described as a "liberal hawk," favoring American-led international engagement.


Schultz's political positions have been characterized as socially liberal and fiscally moderate. In foreign policy, he has been described as a "liberal hawk," favoring American leadership in international affairs. In 2013, during a Starbucks shareholders' meeting, Schultz responded to a shareholder who objected to the company's support for same-sex marriage by telling the shareholder, "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=2013-03-22 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
== Personal Life ==


== Personal Life ==
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>


Schultz has two children. He established the '''Schultz Family Foundation''', a philanthropic organization focused on two primary areas: supporting military veterans and their families, 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'' discussing the challenge of connecting young people with employment opportunities.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schultz |first=Howard |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 ''Chronicle of Philanthropy'' also reported on Schultz's philanthropic activities through the foundation.<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.


Schultz has authored four books on business and leadership. He has spoken publicly about how his upbringing in public housing in Brooklyn shaped his worldview and his approach to running Starbucks, particularly his emphasis on providing employee benefits such as health insurance and stock options to part-time workers.
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>


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Schultz has received recognition from multiple organizations for his business leadership and philanthropic efforts. The [[NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund]] honored him with its National Equal Justice Award at the organization's 31st Annual National Equal Justice Awards ceremony.<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 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 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>


He has been featured on the [[Forbes]] list of the wealthiest Americans, ranked as the 209th-richest person in the United States in October 2020. Arizona State University selected Schultz as its commencement speaker in 2017, reflecting his profile in American business and public life.<ref>{{cite web |title=ASU 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>
''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>


Media outlets have frequently profiled Schultz as a transformative figure in the American retail and food-service industries. His role in building Starbucks from a small chain of coffee bean retailers into the world's largest coffeehouse company has drawn comparisons to Ray Kroc's expansion of McDonald's. ''Fast Company'' noted in 2025 that even two years after retiring from the Starbucks board, Schultz's commentary on business and leadership continued to attract attention across the industry.<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=2025-10-16 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
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 ==


Schultz's impact on the American coffee industry and on retail culture is substantial. Before Starbucks' expansion under his leadership, specialty coffee was a niche market in the United States. Schultz's vision of the coffeehouse as a "third place" — a communal gathering space between home and work — redefined how Americans consumed coffee and how they thought about the coffeehouse experience. The model he built at Starbucks influenced countless competitors and imitators, and the company's global reach brought espresso-based beverages into the mainstream of American daily life.
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>
 
His employee-relations policies, including health insurance for part-time workers and the Bean Stock equity program, set benchmarks in the retail and food-service industries and were frequently cited in discussions of corporate social responsibility. His commitment to fair trade sourcing standards during his second CEO tenure contributed to broader industry trends toward ethical supply-chain practices.


Schultz's aggressive expansion of Starbucks into China represented a significant strategic accomplishment, introducing coffee culture to one of the world's largest consumer markets. The company's Chinese operations grew to represent a major portion of Starbucks' international business.
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.


His political explorations, while ultimately resulting in no candidacy, reflected broader debates in American politics about the role of independent candidates and business leaders in governance. Schultz's philanthropic work through the Schultz Family Foundation has focused on two areas — veterans' support and youth employment — that address significant social challenges 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>
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.


As of 2025, Schultz continued to engage publicly with questions of business leadership and corporate responsibility, participating in Starbucks company events and speaking on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to the fundamentals of customer-focused management.<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>
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>


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:American chief executives]]
[[Category:Starbucks people]]
[[Category:Starbucks people]]
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[[Category:Northern Michigan University alumni]]
[[Category:American philanthropists]]
[[Category:American authors]]
[[Category:American authors]]
[[Category:Northern Michigan University alumni]]
[[Category:People from Brooklyn]]
[[Category:Seattle SuperSonics owners]]
[[Category:Seattle SuperSonics owners]]
[[Category:American philanthropists]]
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[[Category:American independents]]


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Revision as of 00:46, 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
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. 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 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.[1] 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.[2]

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.[3] 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.

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.[4] 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.

Education

Schultz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Michigan University, a public university located in Marquette, Michigan.[5] 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.

Career

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.

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.[6]

First Tenure as CEO (1986–2000)

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.

In 1992, Schultz took Starbucks public with an initial public offering that valued the company at $271 million.[7] 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.

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.

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."

Schultz stepped down as CEO of Starbucks in 2000 and was succeeded by Orin C. Smith.[8] Schultz remained chairman of the board during this period.

Ownership of the Seattle SuperSonics (2001–2006)

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.[9] 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.[10][11] A lawsuit related to the sale was eventually settled, but the departure of the SuperSonics from Seattle remained a point of contention for years.[12]

Return as CEO (2008–2017)

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.[13]

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.

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.

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.[14]

Schultz stepped down as CEO of Starbucks in April 2017 and was succeeded by Kevin Johnson.[15] Schultz remained as executive chairman until June 2018, when he was succeeded in that role by Myron Ullman.

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 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.

Post-Starbucks Activities

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.[16] 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."[17] 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.[18]

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.[19] He also discussed themes of leadership during uncertainty in media appearances, drawing on his experience navigating Starbucks through past crises.[20][21]

Political Activities

Schultz has been politically active outside of his business career. He was registered as a Democrat before 2019, when he changed his affiliation to independent.[22] His political positions have been characterized as socially liberal and fiscally moderate.

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.

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.[23]

In foreign policy, Schultz has been described as a "liberal hawk," favoring American-led international engagement.

Personal Life

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.[24]

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.

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.[25] In 2015, Schultz wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times about the importance of connecting young people with employment opportunities.[26] The foundation's activities have also been covered by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.[27]

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.[28]

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.[29]

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.[30]

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

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.[31]

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.

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.

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.[32][33]

References

  1. ↑ "Schultz Family Foundation".Schultz Family Foundation.http://www.schultzfamilyfoundation.org/#tab-switcher-1.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. ↑ "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. ↑ "Commencement speaker: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz".ASU Now, Arizona State University.2017-03-13.https://asunow.asu.edu/20170313-asu-news-commencement-speaker-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "Commencement speaker: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz".ASU Now, Arizona State University.2017-03-13.https://asunow.asu.edu/20170313-asu-news-commencement-speaker-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ "Howard Schultz".Entrepreneur.http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ "Starbucks Coffee Announces Initial Public Offering".The Free Library.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/STARBUCKS%20COFFEE%20ANNOUNCES%20INITIAL%20PUBLIC%20OFFERING-a012370965.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "Starbucks Coffee Company — Press Release".Starbucks.https://web.archive.org/web/20080117121159/http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=818.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "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.
  10. ↑ "Trial coverage".Seattle Post-Intelligencer.http://www.seattlepi.com/basketball/369313_trial03.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ "Seattle public opinion poll".Seattle Post-Intelligencer.http://www.seattlepi.com/polls/popup.asp?pollID=2983.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "Schultz and the Sonics".The Seattle Times.https://web.archive.org/web/20080419015637/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2004349361_schultz15.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ "Starbucks Coffee Company — Press Release".Starbucks.https://web.archive.org/web/20080117121159/http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=818.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "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.
  15. ↑ "Commencement speaker: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz".ASU Now, Arizona State University.2017-03-13.https://asunow.asu.edu/20170313-asu-news-commencement-speaker-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "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.
  17. ↑ "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.
  18. ↑ "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.
  19. ↑ "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.
  20. ↑ 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.
  21. ↑ "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.
  22. ↑ "Howard Schultz".Entrepreneur.http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229728.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  23. ↑ "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.
  24. ↑ "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.
  25. ↑ "Schultz Family Foundation".Schultz Family Foundation.http://www.schultzfamilyfoundation.org/#tab-switcher-1.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  26. ↑ SchultzHowardHoward"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.
  27. ↑ "Starbucks's Schultz Opens New Foundation".The Chronicle of Philanthropy.https://philanthropy.com/article/Starbuckss-Schultz-Opens-New/228699.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  28. ↑ "A Moment Now: NAACP Legal 31st Annual National Equal Justice Awards".NAACP Legal Defense Fund.http://www.naacpldf.org/press-release/moment-now-naacp-legal-31st-annual-national-equal-justice-awards.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  29. ↑ "Commencement speaker: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz".ASU Now, Arizona State University.2017-03-13.https://asunow.asu.edu/20170313-asu-news-commencement-speaker-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  30. ↑ 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.
  31. ↑ "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.
  32. ↑ "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.
  33. ↑ "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.

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