Laxman Narasimhan’s commitment to working as a barista once a month in Starbucks stores is a reflection of his dedication to understanding the company’s operations and staying connected to its culture and customers. By immersing himself in the day-to-day work of Starbucks’ frontline staff, Narasimhan hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the company’s operations, its strengths, and its challenges.
Narasimhan’s appointment as CEO of Starbucks follows a successful career at PepsiCo, where he held various leadership roles and was responsible for driving growth in the company’s operations in Latin America, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. In his previous roles, Narasimhan demonstrated a keen ability to navigate complex business environments and drive growth through innovative strategies and a strong focus on customer needs.
Narasimhan, wrote, “With you, I’ve experienced every aspect of the business to learn what it truly means to wear the green apron. You’ve welcomed me into our stores, trained me in how to be a barista all to help me deeply understand what we do, how we do it, and the challenges and opportunities facing us.”
As the CEO of Starbucks, Narasimhan takes over a company with significant strengths. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Starbucks reported record demand in the US during the April-June period, helping to offset continued closures in China, the company’s second-largest market. Narasimhan has indicated that he plans to continue the reinvention plan laid out by Schultz earlier in the year, which aims to streamline operations, focus on digital engagement, and drive sustainable growth.
However, Starbucks also faces challenges, including efforts to unionize its workforce. These efforts have been contentious at times, casting a shadow over the company’s reputation as a progressive employer. Narasimhan has pledged to be a strong supporter of the company’s partners and culture, indicating that he will work to address these challenges and maintain Starbucks’ position as a leading global brand.
