Starbucks makes three key appointments

Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the appointment of Annie Young-Scrivner to global chief marketing officer,  responsible for the global marketing and product strategy for the Starbucks brand.

Michelle Gass will serve in the newly created role of president, Seattle's Best Coffee (SBC), and be accountable for building the SBC brand and accelerating its growth potential in the global specialty coffee category.

Additionally, John Culver, will assume the role of president, Global Consumer Products (CPG) and Foodservice, and continue leading the global Starbucks CPG and Foodservice business units. All positions report to chairman, president and ceo Howard Schultz.

Founded in 1970, Seattle's Best Coffee has more than 550 specialty coffee cafes, kiosks and other concepts in the U.S. Its coffee is available nationwide in supermarkets and at more than 6,000 foodservice locations, such as college campuses, restaurants, hotels, airlines and cruise lines.

''As we move toward Starbucks new fiscal year, now is the time to keep the positive momentum seen in our U.S. business and build on our global opportunities. Moving SBC into a distinct and separate business unit will provide the focus necessary to enable SBC's full potential in the specialty coffee marketplace,'' commented Schultz.

 ''These appointments will strengthen the expertise of a proven internal leader and enhance the leadership team with diverse talent from outside Starbucks to give us the depth necessary to operate a global business.''