Starbucks
The world’s largest coffee chain, Starbucks Corp., has appointed Brian Niccol as Chairman and CEO, effective September 9, succeeding the current CEO, Laxman Narasimhan.
At the same time, the current Chair of the Board, Mellody Hobson, will transition to the role of Independent Director.
Brian Niccol’s most recent position was as CEO and Chairman of Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., a large American fast-food chain specializing in Mexican cuisine. When he took over Chipotle in 2018, the company was grappling with frequent food safety scandals and declining customer confidence. Under his leadership, the company underwent significant transformation, regained customer trust, and outperformed many strong competitors in the struggling restaurant industry. Prior to this, Niccol held positions at fast-food chains Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, and began his career at Procter & Gamble. Niccol holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
In a press release, Starbucks stated, “His focus on employees and culture, brand, menu innovation, operational excellence, and digital transformation set new industry standards, driving Chipotle Mexican’s remarkable growth and value creation. Under his leadership, company revenue nearly doubled, profits grew nearly sevenfold, and the stock price increased by nearly 800%, while also improving retail team members’ wages and benefits, and strengthening corporate culture.”
On the day of the announcement, August 13, Starbucks’ stock surged by 24%, marking the largest intraday gain in the company’s history, while Chipotle’s stock dropped by 13%. By the close of trading, Starbucks’ stock had risen 24.5% to $95.9 per share, with a latest market value of $108.674 billion.
Bonhams
The internationally renowned luxury auction house, Bonhams, has appointed Chabi Nouri as its global CEO, effective from October.
Chabi Nouri, a graduate of Fribourg University in Switzerland, brings extensive knowledge and experience in the international luxury and retail sectors. Her career began at Cartier, and she later served as CEO of Piaget, a watch and jewelry company under Richemont Group. In 2022, she joined the Swiss investment company Mirabaud Group as a private equity partner.
Bremont
British luxury watchmaker Bremont has appointed Martin Parker as a Non-Executive Director.
With extensive experience in luxury watch retail and manufacturing, Martin Parker was previously the International Customer Service and Quality Director at the Swiss headquarters of luxury watch brand Panerai.
Martin Parker’s career began in 1986 as a Customer Service Manager at the luxury watch retailer Watches of Switzerland, after which he joined Cartier’s UK branch, where he served for seven years in customer service roles. Subsequently, Parker moved to Switzerland and joined Patek Philippe, where he eventually became the International Customer Service Director. From 2006 to 2015, he served as the International Service Director at Rolex and later held a position at Kering Group’s Girard-Perregaux.
Warby Parker
U.S. eyewear retailer Warby Parker has appointed Ron Williams as Lead Director and Brad Singer as an Independent Director.
Ron Williams
Ron Williams has been a member of Warby Parker’s Board since August 2021. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Aetna Inc. from 2006 to 2010 and is currently the Chairman and CEO of RW2 Enterprises.
Williams is also a Board member of Agilon Health, Apree Health, and Millennium Physician Group, as well as a member of McKinsey’s external advisory group. He is the Chairman of The Conference Board and was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. From 2011 to 2017, he served on President Obama’s Management Advisory Board.
Brad Singer previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Investment Partner at ValueAct Capital, Chief Financial Officer of Discovery Communications, and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of American Tower Corporation. He is currently a Board member of Crown Castle, Sweetgreen, and Redfin.
| Source: Official press releases, Watch Pro
| Image Credit: Official press releases, personal social media accounts
| Editor: LeZhi
