Starbucks Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Starbucks has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, financial oversight, operations, and international market expansion.

Focused on delivering premium coffee experiences, Starbucks maintains a commitment to ethical sourcing and community engagement while scaling its global footprint through innovative retail and beverage solutions.

Leadership Roles at Starbucks

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Brian Niccol
  • Chief Executive Officer (Starbucks Master Licensee) - Gregory Sausaman
  • Chief Executive Officer (China) - Molly Liu
  • Chief Financial Officer (Australia) - Rowena Burgess
  • Director, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, International Coffee & Latin America - Ryan Ingalls
  • Director, Strategy & Business Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of - Becky Hunt
  • Senior Product Manager & Chief Technology Officer, Office of - Frank Fuoco
  • Director, Planning & Operations L Chief of Staff - Sarah Korach
  • Director and Chief Marketing Officer, Trading - Vollie Scott
  • Chief of Staff To the Co-Chairs, Partners for Sustainability - Christopher Calderon
  • Brian Niccol - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Brian Niccol, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Starbucks, directs the overarching corporate strategy and global vision for the coffeehouse chain. Overseeing the entire enterprise, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between roasting operations, retail store performance, and the expansion of ready-to-drink product lines. This leadership role involves constant interaction with the Board to drive long-term shareholder value and brand equity. By optimizing the customer experience across thousands of locations, Brian Niccol directly impacts the company's market position. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer prioritizes operational excellence to maintain the competitive edge of the brand. Through rigorous focus on beverage innovation and food quality, the executive secures the future growth of the organization. Ultimately, Niccol guides the company toward sustainable profitability while upholding the core values of the global coffeehouse network.
    Brian Niccol

    Gregory Sausaman - Chief Executive Officer (Starbucks Master Licensee)

    Gregory Sausaman, the Chief Executive Officer (Starbucks Master Licensee) at Starbucks, directs the operations and growth strategy for the licensed store network. Overseeing the partnership model, the Chief Executive Officer (Starbucks Master Licensee) ensures that all licensed locations adhere to the high standards of the global coffeehouse brand. This leadership role involves managing the relationship with the parent company to ensure brand consistency and operational excellence. By expanding the reach of the brand through strategic licensing agreements, Gregory Sausaman drives market penetration in key territories. The Chief Executive Officer (Starbucks Master Licensee) monitors the performance of the licensed portfolio to maximize revenue and customer engagement. Through the effective management of these partnerships, the executive supports the overall growth of the company. Ultimately, Sausaman ensures that the licensed business remains a vital component of the global retail strategy.
    Gregory Sausaman

    Molly Liu - Chief Executive Officer (China)

    Molly Liu, the Chief Executive Officer (China) at Starbucks, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company's largest international market. Overseeing the rapid expansion of the store network, the Chief Executive Officer (China) ensures that the brand remains relevant to local consumer preferences while maintaining global quality standards. This leadership role involves navigating the unique competitive landscape of the region to drive sustained growth. By fostering innovation in digital engagement and store formats, Molly Liu enhances the customer experience across the country. The Chief Executive Officer (China) collaborates with local partners and government entities to secure the long-term viability of the business. Through the implementation of localized marketing and operational strategies, the executive strengthens the market position of the brand. Ultimately, Liu secures the future of the company within this critical and dynamic geographic region.
    Molly Liu

    Rowena Burgess - Chief Financial Officer (Australia)

    Rowena Burgess, the Chief Financial Officer (Australia) at Starbucks, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for the regional operations. Overseeing financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer (Australia) ensures strict adherence to budgetary targets while supporting the growth of the coffeehouse footprint. This leadership role involves evaluating market trends to optimize revenue streams from both company-owned and licensed stores. By monitoring cost structures and profit margins, Rowena Burgess directly influences the financial stability of the regional business unit. The Chief Financial Officer (Australia) coordinates with corporate leadership to align local performance with global objectives. Through rigorous financial oversight, the executive mitigates risks associated with market volatility and supply chain fluctuations. Ultimately, Burgess secures the necessary resources to sustain the expansion of the brand within the competitive Australian hospitality landscape.

    Ryan Ingalls - Director, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, International Coffee & Latin America

    Ryan Ingalls, the Director, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, International Coffee & Latin America at Starbucks, manages the financial strategy for the coffee supply chain and regional operations across Latin America. Overseeing capital investments and revenue forecasting, the Director, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, International Coffee & Latin America ensures that the company maintains a robust financial position in these critical growth markets. This leadership role involves assessing the economic impact of sourcing coffee beans and managing the financial risks associated with international trade. By optimizing the allocation of funds, Ryan Ingalls supports the expansion of the retail footprint in the region. The Director, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, International Coffee & Latin America coordinates with global finance teams to ensure consistency in reporting and compliance. Through diligent fiscal management, the executive secures the profitability of the international coffee business.

    Becky Hunt - Director, Strategy & Business Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of

    Becky Hunt, the Director, Strategy & Business Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at Starbucks, designs the operational frameworks that govern store-level performance and service delivery. Overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives, the Director, Strategy & Business Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of ensures that retail standards remain consistent across the global network. This leadership role involves analyzing operational data to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. By refining the workflow within the coffeehouse environment, Becky Hunt directly enhances the efficiency of beverage and food preparation. The Director, Strategy & Business Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of collaborates with regional managers to scale successful operational models. Through the application of strategic planning, the executive drives the long-term growth of the business. Ultimately, Hunt ensures that the company maintains its reputation for quality and speed.

    Frank Fuoco - Senior Product Manager & Chief Technology Officer, Office of

    Frank Fuoco, the Senior Product Manager & Chief Technology Officer, Office of at Starbucks, architects the digital infrastructure supporting global retail operations. Overseeing the integration of mobile ordering and loyalty platforms, the Senior Product Manager & Chief Technology Officer, Office of ensures seamless connectivity between customers and the coffeehouse ecosystem. This leadership role involves managing complex software development cycles to enhance the efficiency of store-level transactions. By leveraging data analytics, Frank Fuoco drives improvements in supply chain visibility and inventory management. The Senior Product Manager & Chief Technology Officer, Office of collaborates with regional teams to deploy scalable technology solutions across diverse markets. Through the implementation of advanced digital tools, the executive optimizes the speed of service and overall guest satisfaction. Ultimately, Fuoco maintains the technological backbone necessary for the continued success of the global coffeehouse chain.
    Frank Fuoco

    Sarah Korach - Director, Planning & Operations L Chief of Staff

    Sarah Korach, the Director, Planning & Operations L Chief of Staff at Starbucks, coordinates the strategic initiatives and daily operational workflows for the executive office. Overseeing cross-functional projects, the Director, Planning & Operations L Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals remain synchronized across all departments. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between senior leaders to streamline decision-making processes. By managing the planning cycle, Sarah Korach drives efficiency in the execution of corporate mandates. The Director, Planning & Operations L Chief of Staff monitors key performance indicators to track progress on major business objectives. Through the alignment of resources and talent, the executive supports the overall mission of the coffeehouse chain. Ultimately, Korach maintains the operational rhythm required for the company to navigate the complexities of the global retail market effectively.

    Vollie Scott - Director and Chief Marketing Officer, Trading

    Vollie Scott, the Director and Chief Marketing Officer, Trading at Starbucks, architects the marketing strategies for the trading and packaged goods division. Overseeing brand positioning for coffee and ready-to-drink products, the Director and Chief Marketing Officer, Trading ensures that the company effectively reaches consumers outside of the traditional coffeehouse environment. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to develop campaigns that increase the visibility and sales of packaged coffee. By managing the marketing budget and promotional activities, Vollie Scott drives the growth of the retail product portfolio. The Director and Chief Marketing Officer, Trading collaborates with sales teams to ensure that marketing efforts translate into tangible revenue gains. Through the creation of compelling brand narratives, the executive strengthens the connection between the company and its customers. Ultimately, Scott secures the market share of the brand in the competitive consumer goods sector.

    Christopher Calderon - Chief of Staff To the Co-Chairs, Partners for Sustainability

    Christopher Calderon, the Chief of Staff To the Co-Chairs, Partners for Sustainability at Starbucks, manages the strategic alignment of sustainability initiatives with the core business mission. Overseeing the coordination between the co-chairs and the sustainability teams, the Chief of Staff To the Co-Chairs, Partners for Sustainability ensures that environmental and social goals remain integrated into the operational strategy. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level discussions to advance the company's commitment to ethical sourcing and waste reduction. By monitoring the progress of sustainability projects, Christopher Calderon drives the achievement of long-term corporate responsibility targets. The Chief of Staff To the Co-Chairs, Partners for Sustainability supports the development of partnerships that enhance the positive impact of the brand. Through the effective management of these initiatives, the executive ensures that the company remains a leader in corporate sustainability. Ultimately, Calderon secures the alignment of the business with global environmental standards.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Starbucks Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Starbucks?
    Starbucks is led by Brian Niccol (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gregory Sausaman (Chief Executive Officer (Starbucks Master Licensee)) and Molly Liu (Chief Executive Officer (China)).
    Who is part of Starbucks’s executive team?
    The executive team of Starbucks includes leaders such as Brian Niccol (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Gregory Sausaman (Chief Executive Officer (Starbucks Master Licensee)), Molly Liu (Chief Executive Officer (China)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Starbucks have?
    Starbucks has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Starbucks’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Starbucks includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer (Starbucks Master Licensee), Chief Executive Officer (China), Chief Financial Officer (Australia), Director, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, International Coffee & Latin America.