Starbucks China appoints new co-CEO

Starbucks Coffee Company has announced the promotion of Molly Liu to executive vice president and co-chief executive officer of Starbucks China, effective October 2, 2023.

Liu has served as Starbucks China’s chief operating officer since 2021, and previously served as the company’s vice president of Digital Ventures.

Since joining the company in 2012, Liu has held numerous leadership roles. As head of the Digital Ventures organization, she set the foundation for the company’s digital flywheel in the market, most notably with the launch of “Starbucks Delivers” and “Starbucks Now” digital ordering services, which grew to contribute 48% of China sales in Q3 FY23. In addition, she established the company’s Starbucks Rewards program and turned it into a leading loyalty program with more than 20 million active members. Recently as COO, she oversaw the company’s accelerated expansion to more store locations, while invigorating coffee beverage innovation with the successful launch of new platforms.  

Belinda Wong will continue to serve as chairwoman and CEO of Starbucks China, as the company aims to operate 9,000 stores across 300 cities by 2025 that will create more than 10,000 additional jobs annually.

“A 24-year partner, Wong’s strategic vision, entrepreneurial drive, and deep love for the company and its people has resulted in the company’s unprecedented growth since leading the market in 2011,” says Starbucks.