Reckitt's Laxman Narasimhan Heads To Starbucks

Starbucks has revealed its next CEO, a little over five months after announcing Kevin Johnson was stepping down and Howard Schultz would return as interim CEO.

Laxman Narasimhan, who most recently served as CEO of Reckitt, will take the helm as Starbucks' CEO and a member of its board of directors. He will take the CEO position on Oct. 1 after relocating from London to the Seattle area and will work closely with Schultz before assuming the role and joining the board on April 1, 2023.

Narasimhan brings nearly 30 years of experience leading and advising global consumer-facing brands, the company said. Known for his considerable operational expertise, he has a proven track record in developing purpose-led brands. Building on companies’ histories, he has succeeded in rallying talent to deliver on future ambitions by driving consumer-centric and digital innovations. As CEO of Reckitt, a FTSE-12 listed multinational consumer health, hygiene and nutrition company, he led the company through a major strategic transformation and a return to sustainable growth.

[See also: How Reckitt Is Building Its E-comm Muscle]

“Laxman is an inspiring leader,” said Mellody Hobson, independent Starbucks board of directors chair. “His deep, hands-on experience driving strategic transformations at global consumer-facing businesses makes him the ideal choice to accelerate Starbucks growth and capture the opportunities ahead of us. His understanding of our culture and values, coupled with his expertise as a brand builder, innovation champion, and operational leader will be true differentiators as we position Starbucks for the next 50 years, generating value for all our stakeholders.”

During the transition period, Narasimhan will be fully immersed in the company, spending time with Schultz and the management team, partners and customers and gaining in-depth exposure to the brand, company culture, and Reinvention plan. This will initially include Starbucks store immersions, visiting manufacturing plants and coffee farms, connecting with partners around the globe as well as Starbucks long term business partners.

Schultz will remain in the role of interim CEO during this transition period, following which he will continue as a member of the Starbucks board of directors. He will remain closely involved with the company’s Reinvention and act as an ongoing advisor to Narasimhan.

[See also: Starbucks Names New EVP, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Amid Exits and Leadership Shuffle]

“When I learned about Laxman’s desire to relocate, it became apparent that he is the right leader to take Starbucks into its next chapter,” said Schultz. “He is uniquely positioned to shape this work and lead the company forward with his partner-centered approach and demonstrated track record of building capabilities and driving growth in both mature and emerging markets.

"As I have had the opportunity to get to know him, it has become clear that he shares our passion of investing in humanity and in our commitment to our partners, customers, and communities. The perspectives he brings will be a strong asset as we build on our heritage in this new era of greater well-being. I greatly look forward to our partnership over the coming months and years.”

“Starbucks commitment to uplift humanity through connection and compassion has long distinguished the company, building an unrivaled, globally admired brand that has transformed the way we connect over coffee. I am humbled to be joining this iconic company at such a pivotal time, as the Reinvention and investments in the partner and customer experiences position us to meet the changing demands we face today and set us up for an even stronger future,” said Narasimhan.

“I look forward to working closely with Howard, the board, and the entire leadership team – and to listening and learning from Starbucks partners – as we collectively build on this work to lead the company into its next chapter of growth and impact," he added. 

Previously, Narasimhan held various leadership roles at PepsiCo, including as global chief commercial officer, where he was responsible for the company’s long-term strategy and digital capabilities. He also served as CEO of the company’s Latin America, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa operations, and previously as the CEO of PepsiCo Latin America, and the CFO of PepsiCo Americas Foods. Prior to PepsiCo, Narasimhan was a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, where he focused on its consumer, retail and technology practices in the U.S., Asia and India and led the firm’s thinking on the future of retail.

This was originally published on RIS News, a CGT sister publication.