Who succeeded Howard Schultz as Starbucks’ chief executive in 2000?

Orin Smith succeeded Howard Schultz as Starbucks’ chief executive in 2000.

Smith joined Starbucks in 1990 as chief financial officer and became president and chief operating officer before taking over as CEO. His tenure followed the rapid expansion of Starbucks from a regional coffee company into a major international chain.

Howard Schultz remained closely associated with Starbucks after stepping away from the CEO role. He continued as chairman and later returned as chief executive in 2008 during a period when the company was closing underperforming stores and refocusing on its coffeehouse experience.

Orin Smith led Starbucks through a major growth phase, including continued international expansion and the company’s increasing presence in retail coffee products. He retired as CEO in 2005 and was succeeded by Jim Donald.