• Leadership Transition: Marika McCauley Sine, a sustainability leader from Mars Inc., has been named Starbucks’ Chief Sustainability Officer, succeeding Michael Kobori, who will retire at the end of 2024.
• Sustainability Goals: McCauley Sine will drive Starbucks’ ambitious sustainability agenda, including achieving carbon neutrality in its coffee supply chain by 2030 and certifying 10,000 Greener Stores globally within the next year.
• Extensive Experience: With a strong background in human rights and sustainability from her roles at Oxfam America, Coca-Cola, and Mars, McCauley Sine brings deep expertise to Starbucks’ global ESG efforts.

Starbucks Welcomes New Sustainability Leader

Starbucks has appointed Marika McCauley Sine as its new Chief Sustainability Officer, effective November 18, 2024. The former Mars Inc. executive succeeds Michael Kobori, who will retire after five years in the role. Marika McCauley Sine will report to Michelle Burns, Executive Vice President of Global Coffee and Sustainability.

In a LinkedIn post announcing her new role, Marika McCauley Sine said:

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

A Proven Track Record in Sustainability

Marika McCauley Sine brings extensive experience from her roles at Oxfam America, Coca-Cola, and Mars. During her tenure at Mars Petcare, she led innovative projects like insect-based cat food produced with renewable energy and circular business models.

At Mars, she also supported the company’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, achieving a 16% reduction to date. Reflecting on her work at Mars, she stated:

“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.”

Starbucks’ Sustainability Vision

Under Marika McCauley Sine leadership, Starbucks aims to accelerate its sustainability efforts, including its goal to be carbon neutral in its coffee supply chain by 2030. The company has already distributed 90 million coffee trees to its suppliers, enhancing yields while reducing land use and emissions.

With plans to open 15,000 additional stores by 2030, Starbucks must balance its growth strategy with its ambitious resource-positive goals, which aim to reduce carbon, water, and waste by 50% by the decade’s end.

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Outgoing Chief Sustainability Officer Michael Kobori reflected on his tenure, writing on LinkedIn:

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead sustainability at Starbucks and look forward to supporting the next generation of sustainability professionals after my sabbatical.”

Moving Forward

Marika McCauley Sine’s appointment signals Starbucks’ continued commitment to sustainability and innovation as it seeks to address global environmental challenges while expanding its global footprint. Her expertise will be instrumental in advancing the coffee giant’s ESG priorities.

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