Starbucks yesterday announced the nomination of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sam’s Club, Rosalind Brewer, and LEGO Brand Executive Chairman Jørgen Vig Knudstorp to the Starbucks Board of Directors. The nominations are all part of Starbucks’ plan to strengthen their leadership and add unmatched expertise in technology, strategy, at a time of unprecedented change in the industry.
According to the announcement, Satya Nadella is expected to bring to the Starbucks Board extensive experience and an understanding of how technology will be used and experienced around the world. Nadella will also provide the board with insight in international operations and distribution as Starbucks continues to focus on innovative ways to use technology to elevate the brand and grow its business. In a statement, Nadella commented on joining the board:
I’m honored to have been nominated to join the Board of this world-renowned company…As a regular customer myself, I’ve always admired Starbucks focus and deep passion for its customers and the communities it does business in and hope my years of experience in the technology industry will be of value to the company
Satya Nadella, and the other new board members, are up for nomination, and a decision will be made during Starbucks’ annual shareholders meeting on March 22. This is not the first time that Satya Nadella has taken positions outside of Microsoft, however, since the CEO currently serves on the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center board of trustees.
