Roxman Narasimhan, the new CEO of Starbucks, the world's largest coffee chain, announced that he will work half-day shifts at stores once a month going forward.
According to the economic media CNBC, Narasimhan CEO said in a letter sent to employees on the morning of the 23rd (local time), "To get closer to the culture, our customers, and our challenges and opportunities, I plan to continue working half a day at stores every month." He added, "I also hope that each member of the leadership team can ensure that the support center continuously discusses and improves the store frontlines."
Narasimhan CEO, who joined Starbucks last October and took the helm this week, has been learning the job over the past few months. CNBC reported, "He received 40 hours of barista training and wore the green apron, a symbol of Starbucks baristas," adding, "He has not yet fully worn the apron."
This declaration by Narasimhan CEO draws more attention amid ongoing conflicts between employees, including baristas, and the company. According to the National Labor Relations Board, more than 190 Starbucks company-operated stores have voted to form unions. They cited unsafe working conditions, understaffing, and unreliable schedules as reasons for wanting to unionize.
Narasimhan, an Indian-American, previously worked at PepsiCo and served as CEO of the British consumer goods company Reckitt Benckiser.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
