The Starbucks experience across the globe involves placing an order and waiting for a barista to shout out your name which is written on your cup. But while those serving coffee at Starbucks outlets are a part of daily life for consumers, its new CEO may soon be spotted working at the counter. Pune-born Laxman Narasimhan had already donned the hat of a Chief Executive Officer at firms such as Dettol and Heinz's parent Reckitt, as well as PepsiCo before he was chosen top executive at Starbucks.
After being welcomed to Starbucks' first store in Seattle to experience how customers are served, Narasimhan has also decided to work as a barista apart from being CEO.
Stepping in a barista's shoes
Since his name was finalised as successor to Howard Schultz in October 2022, Narasimhan has become a certified barista, which required him to train for 40 hours at a Starbucks outlet.
He has also reiterated his commitment towards fiercely advocating the firm's culture and its partners.
Starbucks' push for employee welfare?
After understanding what Starbucks employees do and how they do it, Narasimhan was inclined to brew coffee for customers himself for half a day every month.
As the incoming CEO seeks to learn more about services and employees, Starbucks has raised $1 billion to provide additional training and increase wages of non-union employees.
At the same time, Starbucks was accused of closing stores as retaliation for union activity, by employees at two of the 16 cafes that it shut down.
