Starbucks CEO defends company's DEI practices, says they are 'key' strength of business

Core Viewpoint - Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol emphasized the company's commitment to diversity as a fundamental strength, stating that it is essential for connecting with customers globally [1][3]. Group 1: Company Strategy - Niccol introduced a "Back to Starbucks" strategy aimed at returning the company to its coffee house roots to increase store traffic [2]. - The company operates 40,000 stores across 88 markets, highlighting the importance of reflecting the diversity of its customers and staff in every location [3]. Group 2: Commitment to Diversity - Chief Partner Officer Sarah Kelly reiterated the company's deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every partner and customer feels a sense of belonging [4]. - Niccol mentioned the focus on enhancing the board's diversity to ensure effective oversight and success of the business [5]. Group 3: Industry Context - The comments come amid a trend where major corporations are scaling back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, facing pressure from various sectors, including political figures [6][8]. - Companies like Target, Amazon, and Walmart have recently pulled back on their DEI programs, indicating a broader industry shift [8].