Global coffeehouse giant Starbucks has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors: Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo and CEO & founder of the AI productivity platform Sunshine, and Dr. Dambisa Moyo, globally recognized economist and co-founder of Versaca Investments. The appointments, effective June 25, 2025, expand Starbucks’ board to 11 members.
Both Mayer and Moyo bring valuable expertise in innovation, global strategy, technology, and corporate governance—areas that are increasingly central to Starbucks’ long-term priorities as it advances its “Back to Starbucks” transformation strategy.
Marissa Mayer, known for her leadership at Yahoo and her early pioneering work at Google, brings decades of experience at the intersection of product design, data, and consumer tech. Currently leading Sunshine, an AI-powered contacts management startup, Mayer’s appointment reflects Starbucks’ ambition to scale its digital capabilities and improve customer engagement through smarter, tech-enabled experiences.
Joining Mayer is Dr. Dambisa Moyo, a Zambian-born economist and trusted board advisor across global organizations, including Chevron and Condé Nast. She is the author of several bestselling books on macroeconomics and global development and is renowned for her perspective on long-term corporate resilience and investment strategy.
In a formal release, Marissa Mayer shared, “At its core, Starbucks has always blended meaningful relationships with a spirit of innovation. I’m honored to join the Starbucks Board of Directors at such a dynamic time in the company’s journey. The ‘Back to Starbucks’ strategy is a powerful call to return to the brand’s strengths while embracing the digital tools that will define the next generation of customer and partner experience.”
Dr. Dambisa Moyo added, “It’s a privilege to join the Starbucks Board of Directors and contribute to a company that has become a global symbol of connection, resilience, and innovation. I look forward to supporting the leadership team as they execute on their growth ambitions.”
Starbucks continues to execute on its “Triple Shot Reinvention” strategy, which includes investing in store efficiency, elevating partner engagement, and modernizing the digital and loyalty ecosystem. These board additions are not just symbolic; they reinforce Starbucks’ commitment to navigating future disruption with clarity and capability.
