Jim Donald
CEO, Starbucks

Jim Donald joined Starbucks Coffee Company in October of 2002 as president, North America working closely with retired CEO, Orin Smith and chairman Howard Schultz. In this position, Donald was responsible for the overall management, business development and operations of Starbucks in all North American markets. During this period, the Company experienced record financial performance, attributable largely to its success in North America.

On October 12, 2004, Donald was promoted to president and chief executive officer effective March 31, 2005. As ceo, he has responsibility for all Starbucks business operations, supply chain and general administrative functions. Donald also joined Starbucks Board of Directors at this time.

Donald began his career in 1971 as a trainee with Publix Super Markets, Inc. Joining Albertson's in 1976, he quickly rose through its managerial ranks in its Florida, Alabama and Texas divisions and was head of Albertson's operations in Phoenix, Arizona.

Handpicked by Sam Walton in 1991 to build a major presence in the supermarket business for Wal-mart, Donald was a key executive in Wal-mart's development and expansion of the Wal-mart Super Center, supervising all merchandising, distribution, store design and real estate operations.

Donald served as president and manager of Safeway's 130-store Eastern Division from 1994 to 1996. He was responsible for a $2.5 billion business, 10,000 employees comprised of 130 stores and two distribution centers. With a clear vision and inspiring front-line leadership, he was able to reverse a four-year trend in declining same-store sales.

Donald joined Pathmark Stores, Inc. in 1996 as chairman, president and ceo. Pathmark, a $4.6 billion, 143-unit regional supermarket chain is located in the New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia metropolitan areas.

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