SEATTLE — Starbucks Corporation has appointed Robert Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, to the company’s Board of Directors.
“We are honoured and humbled to be adding this distinguished American leader to Starbucks Board of Directors,” said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and CEO.
“Secretary Gates has devoted his life to serving our country and our next generation of leaders and public servants. His unique global perspective, and more than four decades of distinguished public service, will complement and strengthen our Board as we accelerate our global growth and expand our commitment to the communities where we do business around the world.”
Gates served in numerous roles in the Executive Branch of the U.S. government for nearly half a century, culminating as Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011. He was recognized as one of Time magazine’s Most Influential People in 2007. Gates retired from the government in June 2011.
“I am deeply honoured to have been asked to join Starbucks Board of Directors,” said Gates. “Starbucks is a different kind of company that is recognized around the world not only for its innovative products, customer service and business success, but, more importantly for its unwavering commitment to a core set of values that put people and community first.”
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