Starbucks Appoints Olden Lee as Interim Executive Vice President, Partner Resources

April 06, 2009 • 2 min read

SEATTLE, April 06, 2009 - Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today named Olden Lee as interim executive vice president, partner resources. He will oversee the strategy for human resources and succeeds Chet Kuchinad who resigned effective today due to a family illness.

"I want to thank Chet for his six years of service, particularly his leadership of partner resources over the last year," said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo. "We wish him well on his future endeavors – both personal and professional."

Lee has been a director on Starbucks Board since 2003. Lee worked for PepsiCo Inc. for 28 years serving in a variety of positions, including senior vice president of human resources for Taco Bell and senior vice president and chief personnel officer of the KFC division. Currently, Lee is founder and principal of Lee Management Consulting, a management consulting firm.

"Starbucks is fortunate to have Olden lead our partner resources strategy as he brings a wealth of experience and valued perspective to the role," added Schultz. "Olden will remain a member of our board as we welcome him to our executive team and he assumes daily leadership operation of the partner resources team. His familiarity with Starbucks will ensure a smooth transition and he will leverage the work already underway."

The search begins immediately to find a permanent leader for the partner resources organization.

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