Howard Schultz

Howard Schultz, born on July 19, 1953, transformed Starbucks from a small coffee bean store into the world’s largest coffeehouse chain. As CEO, he expanded the company from 11 stores in 1987 to over 28,000 locations globally by 2017. Schultz's vision introduced the concept of the "third place" between home and work, revolutionizing American coffee culture. In 1992, he took Starbucks public, significantly increasing its valuation. Schultz authored "Pour Your Heart Into It" and "Onward," sharing insights into his leadership philosophy. He briefly explored a U.S. presidential run as an independent in 2019 but did not pursue it further. Schultz's strategic initiatives and leadership style remain pivotal in Starbucks' sustained growth and market presence.