Starbucks' longtime CEO is back again. This time, things are different

Today, a homecoming of sorts at Starbucks.

Howard Schultz has returned as interim CEO, following the departure of Kevin Johnson who had served as CEO since 2017.



Schultz built Starbucks into a global powerhouse over three three decades, overseeing the company as it grew from 11 stores and 100 employees to 28,000 stores worldwide. He's also responsible for Starbucks' reputation as a socially progressive and generous employer, providing health care, stock options and free college tuition to full-time and part-time employees alike.

Now high on his to-do list: saving that reputation, as Starbucks workers band together to raise grievances and demand more.