Renaissance Marketer: Howard Schultz

CEO and Executive Chairman of Starbucks

Howard Schultz is the former CEO and current Executive Chairman of Starbucks. He began his career in marketing before joining Starbucks in 1982 as the Director of Marketing. He later became CEO in 1986 and led the company’s growth into a global brand. Schultz is known for his leadership and business acumen, as well as his ability to balance the art and science of marketing.

One example of how Schultz is a renaissance marketer is his focus on long-term thinking. As CEO of Starbucks, he made strategic decisions that helped the company grow into a global brand over the course of several decades. He was not only able to anticipate market trends, but also create them by introducing new products and services that resonated with customers.

Another example of how Schultz is a renaissance marketer is his ability to balance the art and science of marketing. He recognized the importance of both data and storytelling in creating effective marketing strategies. He also understood that it was not just about selling coffee but creating a third place for customers to come and socialize.

Branding is not just what you say it is, it’s what they say it is.

Howard Schultz on the importance of understanding how customers perceive a brand and how it is their perception that ultimately defines it. He is not only focused on what the company says about itself, but also on how customers perceive it. This is an essential aspect of a renaissance marketer, where he understands the importance of both data and storytelling in creating effective marketing strategies and also understanding the customer’s perception of the brand.

Additionally, Schultz is also known for his commitment to corporate social responsibility. He understood that a company’s reputation and brand image are not just built on its products and services, but also on its values and actions. He implemented several initiatives, such as fair trade coffee and community service programs, that helped Starbucks become a socially responsible company and helped to build a positive image for the brand.

Furthermore, Schultz is also a great example of being a multi-disciplinary marketer, having a background in marketing, business, and entrepreneurship. He was able to apply his knowledge and skills in different areas to help Starbucks grow and evolve over the years. He is a great example of how a marketer can leverage multiple skills and disciplines to achieve success in the marketplace.

In conclusion, Howard Schultz is a renaissance marketer because of his ability to think long-term, balance the art and science of marketing, and his focus on corporate social responsibility. He is a great example of how a marketer can leverage multiple skills and disciplines to achieve success in the marketplace. He has been able to build a global brand that resonates with customers and has become a leader in the industry.