Howard Behar

Howard Behar is a prominent figure in the business world, known for his significant contributions to the growth and development of Starbucks Corporation. He served as the president of Starbucks North America and later as the president of Starbucks International, playing a crucial role in the company's global expansion.

Early Life and Education

Howard Behar was born in the United States. Details about his early life and education are not widely documented, but his career trajectory suggests a strong foundation in business and leadership.

Career at Starbucks

Howard Behar joined Starbucks in 1989, a time when the company was still in its early stages of growth. At that time, Starbucks was primarily a regional coffee company with a few dozen stores. Behar's leadership and vision were instrumental in transforming Starbucks into a global brand.

North America Expansion

As the president of Starbucks North America, Behar focused on expanding the company's presence across the United States and Canada. He emphasized the importance of customer service and creating a unique coffeehouse experience, which became a hallmark of the Starbucks brand.

International Expansion

In his role as president of Starbucks International, Behar spearheaded the company's entry into international markets. Under his leadership, Starbucks opened stores in Asia, Europe, and other regions, establishing a global footprint. Behar's approach to international expansion involved adapting the Starbucks experience to local cultures while maintaining the core values of the brand.

Leadership Philosophy

Howard Behar is known for his people-centric leadership style. He believes in the importance of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs of their employees and customers. Behar has often spoken about the significance of building a company culture that values respect, dignity, and collaboration.

Post-Starbucks Career

After retiring from Starbucks, Howard Behar continued to share his insights on leadership and business. He has written books and given talks on the principles that guided his career. His work focuses on inspiring leaders to create meaningful and purpose-driven organizations.

Books

Howard Behar is the author of several books, including It's Not About the Coffee: Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks. In his writings, Behar shares his experiences and the lessons he learned during his time at Starbucks, emphasizing the importance of putting people first in business.

Related Pages

• Starbucks
• Servant leadership
• Business expansion