D
orothy Kim, a Starbucks partner since 1995, leaves Starbucks. And here, so I hear, is Starbucks’ goodbye letter to her:
Dear Partners,
I would like to let you know that Dorothy Kim is resigning from the company, effective February 5.
Dorothy is a 14-year Starbucks partner who most recently led the company’s Global Strategy and Office of the CEO, reporting to me. In this role she was responsible for operationalizing the company’s global business strategy and acting as a strategic liason with the Board of Directors.
She spent the majority of her career in Supply Chain Operations, where she held the roles of vice president, senior vice president, and executive vice president over the course of nine years. She was instrumental in building and leading the global SCO function, responsible for manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, distributing, planning, transportation, supply chain integrated systems, inventory management, and worldwide sourcing of coffee.
As a result of her departure, Global Strategy directors Catherine Cheung and Chanda Beppu will move into the Marketing and Strategy organization under the direction of Anne Young-Scrivner. Leslie Pringle, administrative assistant, will also be moving into the Marketing and Strategy organization.
Please join me in thanking Dorothy for her many contributions to Starbucks over the years, and wishing her all the very best in her future endeavors.
Regards,
Howard
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WOW!!! 4 people to do what she’s been doing…it will be interesting where she decides to pursue her career path! 😀
@darkkatpouncing – LOL – The letter describes a lot of movement of people which doesn’t have a so much meaning for those on the outside not aware of what’s happening in the Starbucks headquarters.
I recognize that the letter had to be pretty much a short, totally professional statement. Nonetheless, given that she was with Starbucks for 14 years, and must’ve poured her heart, and a good part of her life into Starbucks, I would have liked to have seen a warmer tone of voice to the letter.
I knew Dorothy pretty well and the fact that I don’t recognize a single name of the leadership that is taking over her duties is a microcosm as to what’s going on at the SSC. The old guard that was responsible for BUILDING the company into what it is (or was) and maintaining the culture is getting forced out. They want drones and doers – not thinkers and doers.
As far as she goes – she did pour her life into the company. She was there every day when I left and in the office before the following morning. Her sacrifice was very, very evident.
(Reply to TS) Thank you for chiming in. Nice to hear such positive things about her. I didn’t know her so I can’t comment. Just hope that the new crew of people will live up to the ethics and high standards that the green siren stands for.
Earlier in her career at sbux, Dorothy was my boss when I was a Planner in the Merchandising Department. I have nothing but great things to say about her…she has high integrity, is very intelligent, has a great sense of humor, and someone who I would work for again. On my last day with the company, she even hosted a wonderful going away barbecue party for me. She is and will always be a class act!
(Reply to Lovethatjava) – That is so cool to hear! Thank you for leaving that comment!