“Howard Schultz Leaves Starbucks Board – Former CEO Departs Iconic Brand”.

Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, has just made a historic move: stepping down from the company’s board of directors. This comes after a tumultuous tenure where the executive saw Starbucks through some of its biggest successes and challenges. Under his leadership, the coffee-chain grew from a small, Seattle-based operation to a global brand, with more than 19,000 stores in 62 countries. At the same time, Schultz faced headwinds from a changing consumer landscape and political pressure. In late 2018, Schultz announced he would not be running as a third-party presidential candidate, saying he believed he could do more to shape public policy through the “strengthened and refocused efforts of business and government leaders.” His decision to step down from the company’s board of directors is seen as a major turning point for Starbucks. Today, the company is in the hands of its current CEO, Kevin Johnson, and Cecile Richards, who was appointed as the first female board member in December 2018. Richards is likely to have a sizable impact on the company’s strategic direction, making it possible for the company’s new direction to play out. Schultz’s departure from the board is certainly bittersweet, having been instrumental in guiding the growth of the company — but with his move, Starbucks is charting a new course that’s likely to be exciting for the company and its customers.