• January 14, 2008

Terry Davenport, vice president/global brand strategy and marketing, has been promoted to senior vice president/marketing at Starbucks, where he will lead a new marketing and brand strategy function, it has been announced.

Davenport and his team will be responsible for the company's overall marketing plan and calendar, product development, consumer insights and innovation for food and beverage, as well as unifying the Starbucks brand to the customer.

The promotion is part of a realignment initiated by Howard Schultz, chairman, president and CEO at Starbucks, designed to focus the organization on providing customers with a superior Starbucks Experience and building on the Starbucks legacy of innovation.

In addition, Harry Roberts, a former Starbucks executive, is returning to the company as senior vice president/chief creative officer. In this newly created role, Roberts and his team will be responsible for the customer in-store experience, including creative expression, merchandise strategy and the overall "look and feel" of the company's stores.

Michelle Gass will assume the role of senior vice president/global strategy, office of the CEO, and will work to implement all aspects of the transformation plan.

Chris Bruzzo has been named to the newly created position of vice president/chief technology officer, and will also serve as acting chief information officer. Bruzzo will leverage technology to create innovative ways for Starbucks to connect with its customers and build loyalty programs.