Starbucks China promotes COO to executive vice president, co-CEO

Molly Liu’s appointment will take effect on 2 October.

Starbucks China appointed its Chief Operating Officer Molly Liu as executive vice president and co-chief executive officer, effective on 2 October.

In a statement, Starbucks Asia said Liu joined the company in 2012 and has held various leadership roles such as the head of the Digital Ventures organisation.

During her stint, she laid out the foundation for the company’s digital flywheel particularly the “Starbucks Delivers” and “Starbucks Now” digital ordering services which contributed 48% of the China sales in Q3 FY23.

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“Molly is a strong leader who has been instrumental in elevating the Starbucks Experience for our Chinese customers and driving industry-leading innovation for our China business,” said Laxman Narasimhan, chief executive officer of Starbucks.

Belinda Wong will remain as the chairperson and CEO of Starbucks.

They will work together as the company aims to operate 9,000 stores in 300 cities by 2025.