Schultz Announces Starbucks Cutbacks
Recently returned Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz announced he’s cut about 600 jobs at the coffee giant. In a letter to staff, which also took the form of a press release, Schultz said the review that led to the cuts…
…was done with great thoughtfulness and respect for everyone concerned, organizational changes have been made. These changes will restructure the company, but they will also result in a decrease of both the number of positions and partners by approximately 600. This total includes the elimination of existing positions and open headcount, as well as the reduction of our current workforce. Within this context, approximately 220 partners have separated from the company. Nearly all were U.S. partners serving in non-retail support roles. We are thankful and proud of the contributions our departing partners have made, and we are committed to treating them with respect and dignity.
Though I’m no fan of what Schultz did with the Sonics, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better CEO. I met him the first day I ever worked at Starbucks (back in 1993) when I waited on him as he made his way, like every other customer, through the line. That’s how he is, and that’s why I’m still a loyal Starbucks customer, and why I’m confident he’ll right the first mate’s ship.
