Starbucks (SBUX 1.09%) has appointed Matthew Ryan as its global chief strategy officer.
Starting in May, Ryan will report to CEO Howard Schultz and serve on Starbucks' senior leadership team. He will lead the company's long-term strategic planning process; improve the monetization of its retail, channel, and emerging brands; and strengthen the company's relationship management and loyalty capabilities. Starbucks' global customer insights and strategy teams will report to Ryan.
Moreover, Ryan will serve on Starbucks' Global Brand Leadership Team, which is responsible for integrating its regional brand and marketing initiatives. He will partner with Sharon Rothstein, its recently appointed global chief marketing officer, to bring customer insights and analytics to the company's brand expression and customer experience.
Previously, Ryan was the senior vice president of global brand, franchise, and customer relationship management for Disney. He provided customer input into the company's long-term strategic planning, oversaw the development and cultivation of character franchises, and led development of customer relationship management programs. Before joining Disney in 1998, Ryan held senior strategic planning roles with several advertising agencies. He holds a bachelor's degree in history and literature from Harvard University.
Howard Schultz, Starbucks' chairman, president, and CEO, said of the appointment:
Matt's innovative approach to customer analytics, market segmentation and brand optimization will bring a new level of insight and imagination to Starbucks and our significant brand ambitions.
