The Inspiring Success of Laxman Narasimhan and the CEO Change at Starbucks
Indian-American business magnate Laxman Narasimhan was appointed CEO of Starbucks in 2023, succeeding Howard Schultz.
Narasimhan hails from Vijayawada, India, with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pune and an MBA in finance from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Prior to Starbucks, Narasimhan held leadership positions at PepsiCo, McKinsey & Company, and Reckitt Benckiser, where he led sustainability initiatives and strategic acquisitions.
The previous CEO's resignation led to a leadership shift, with Narasimhan chosen for his strategic vision and operational expertise to address challenges like consumer preferences, labor issues, and digital transformation.
Narasimhan’s appointment reflects a shift in Starbucks' leadership strategy, emphasizing his experience with large corporations and his focus on sustainability and unionization.
As CEO, Narasimhan emphasizes digital innovation, personalized customer experiences, and social responsibility.
He has undergone barista training and aims to increase coffee sourcing from India.
Narasimhan is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and employee empowerment, aiming to transform Starbucks into a global force for good.
Narasimhan's leadership marks a new era for Starbucks, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and employee participation, with the potential for transformative change in the business.