New Starbucks CSO set to Shape its Sustainable Manufacturing

Starbucks, a global leader in coffee production and retail, has a new Chief Sustainability Officer.

Michael Kobori, the current CSO has announced his retirement, scheduled for the end of 2024.

This transition comes after his impactful five-year tenure.

During a pivotal six-week transition period, Michael will pass the baton to Marika McCauley Sine, a seasoned executive from Mars Inc.

Marika has held the position of Global Vice President of Sustainability at Mars since April 2019 and is set to shape the future of sustainable manufacturing at Starbucks.

Big brand, big plans

At Starbucks, Marika will be pivotal in driving the company’s ambitious sustainability, social impact, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.

Among her immediate tasks is the certification of 10,000 Greener Stores worldwide within the next year.

She will also will spearhead Starbuck's commitment to becoming ‘resource positive’ by 2030, a visionary goal that aims to give back more to the planet than the company uses.

In her new role, Marika will report directly to Michelle Burns, the Executive Vice President of Global Coffee and Sustainability.

This alignment underscores the strategic importance Starbucks places on integrating sustainability deeply within its business operations, particularly in global coffee production.

Marika has spoken since the announcement on LinkedIn about building on the sustainability legacy of Starbucks.

“It will be an honour to lead sustainability for such an impactful business and beloved brand, in collaboration with talented partners and community members around the world," she says.

“I am inspired to help advance Starbucks’ legacy of doing business with humanity and fostering connection, opportunity, and joy through exceptional coffee.”

From The Coca-Cola Company to Starbucks – via Mars

Marika describes herself on LinkedIn as a 'global sustainability leader' with expertise driving both business growth and positive societal impact. 

Her tenure as CSO of Mars saw her leading the sustainability strategy and governance on a global scale, where she focused significantly on climate action, circular packaging, and sustainable sourcing.

Marika looks back on this experience fondly. 

“As I reflect on the 10 wonderful years I’ve spent at Mars, I feel deep gratitude for the varied experiences, extensive learning and close relationships with so many outstanding colleagues," she says.

“I hope that the strong foundations we’ve laid together will enable even greater sustainability success in the years ahead, and will continue to help deliver on the powerful Mars purpose and principles. I will be cheering you all on from afar." 

Her sustainability journey began long before joining Mars, with a decade spent at The Coca-Cola Company in various sustainability roles.

These roles provided her with a robust foundation in corporate sustainability, equipping her with the expertise needed to drive significant environmental initiatives.

Prior to her corporate roles, Marika worked with Oxfam America, tackling poverty in rural communities across Southeast Asia.

This experience not only refined her understanding of global sustainability challenges but also highlighted the profound impact of strategic corporate policies on societal well-being.

Marika’s academic background is equally impressive, holding a Master’s in Public Policy from the prestigious Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Her diverse personal and professional experiences, having lived and worked in places like Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the UK, and Vietnam, bring a vital global perspective to her role at Starbucks.

A fond farewell

As noted previously, Marika takes over this new role from Michael Kobori, a long serving executive at Starbucks.

He announced his retirement on LinkedIn.

“It is with a heart full of love and gratitude that I embark on my long-planned retirement," he said.

"Five years after becoming Starbucks’ first Chief Sustainability Officer, I will retire effective at the end of 2024.”

"I am deeply grateful to my devoted team, our partners around the world and the corporate, civil society and government colleagues who have built Starbucks into a force for sustainability and social justice.

“A very special thank you to all my friends and former colleagues at Levi Strauss & Co. and the many other companies and organisations who have so generously shared your wisdom, advice and support with me over the years.”

Michael went on to express gratitude for his career and his desire to support future leaders.

“I have had an unbelievably fortunate and privileged career and life," he said.

"In my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined the incredible experiences I have had with so many of you.

"I will miss that.  And I will miss you. I now go on to my next chapter."

“I would like to support the next generation of sustainability leaders.

"But before engaging in any future endeavours, I will take a six-month sabbatical devoted to spiritual, mental and physical well-being for myself and those I love.

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