New Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan Commits to Working in Stores and Focusing on Customer Experience

Starbucks’ new CEO Laxman Narasimhan has officially taken the reins from Howard Schultz, and has already begun to make his mark on the company. Narasimhan joined Starbucks as interim CEO in October, and has since spent time getting to know the company, including earning a barista certification, which requires 40 hours of training in stores.

In a letter to employees on Thursday, Narasimhan wrote, “The past six months of my immersion into the company have been shaped by so many of you who have taught me about our very special culture at Starbucks.” He also said he plans to work at Starbucks stores every month, a divergence from the typical schedule of an executive.

Narasimhan said he has learned a lot about the retail experience from working in the stores, and that he is committed to continuing to work in the stores to stay connected with customers. He also said he plans to focus on the customer experience, and on creating an environment where employees can thrive.

The new CEO’s appointment comes shortly after a federal judge ruled that Starbucks had violated federal labor laws. Narasimhan said he is committed to ensuring that Starbucks follows all labor laws, and that the company will continue to strive for fairness and respect for all employees.