Starbucks: Schultz to step down as CEO, focus on innovation

NEW YORK (AP) — Starbucks says CEO Howard Schultz, who transformed the chain into a global coffee brand, is stepping down from that role at the chain that he joined more than 30 years ago.
The Seattle-based company announced Thursday that Kevin Johnson, who was named president and chief operating officer last year, will become chief executive as of April 3.
Schultz, currently chairman and CEO, will become executive chairman to focus on innovation and social impact activities, among other t