Starbucks Continues to Align Organization for Sustained Global Growth
Monday, Feb. 25 2008
Starbucks Continues to Align Organization for Sustained Global Growth
SEATTLE, Feb 25, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- With a focus on strategic global expansion and providing customers with the distinctive Starbucks Experience, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced that former Starbucks executive Arthur Rubinfeld has returned to the Company in the role of president, Global Development. In this newly created position, Rubinfeld will be responsible for site selection, design and creative concepting for Starbucks stores worldwide.
"Arthur is a world-class business person, who helped the Company grow from 100 to 4,000 stores and was a key member of the leadership team," said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo. "I know his leading-edge work in the area of retail design and architecture will be a tremendous asset as we transform Starbucks for the future."
Most recently, Rubinfeld served as executive vice president, Corporate Strategy and chief development officer at Potbelly Sandwich Works, a rapidly growing restaurant concept. In 2001, he founded AIRVISION, an advisory firm specializing in brand positioning, growth strategies and operational plans for clients, including adidas, Omaha Steaks, Oakley and Washington Mutual. Additionally, Rubinfeld served as Starbucks executive vice president for Store Development from 1992-2001 and is credited with building the world-class function for the Company.
"Arthur's past success, extensive experience, knowledge of the business and Starbucks culture, will provide the foundation and leadership we need to execute the Transformation Agenda and support our long-term success," said Schultz. "I am proud to have him as part of our senior leadership team, once again."
Prior to joining Starbucks in 1992, Rubinfeld was managing partner of Epsteen & Associates, practiced as a national NCARB-certified architect in New York, and authored the book, "Built for Growth - Expanding Your Business Around the Corner or Across the Globe," a tutorial on brand development, business model infrastructure, retail site selection and innovation.
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with nearly 16,000 stores and more than 170,000 partners (employees) in 44 countries, Starbucks is the premiere roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.
SOURCE: Starbucks Coffee Company
Starbucks Media Relations
Brandon Borrman, 206-318-7100
or
Starbucks Investor Relations
JoAnn DeGrande, 206-318-7893
http://www.businesswire.com/cnn/sbux.shtmlCopyright Business Wire 2008
Comments
The article points out that Starbucks is serious about delivering counterpoint not only to the recent press it has received from closing some of its locations, but is an indication that Starbucks understands the importance of having the right leadership in place during an important transition.
That Starbucks created a new position to specifically address the issue of strategic growth should send the right message to shareholders. Also, equally reasurring, from an organizational standpoint, is the fact that Starbucks hired someone with past success at the company.
Posted by: tatara | February 26, 2008 7:44 PM