Starbucks Coffee Japan has announced that Hisae Morii will replace Takafumi Minaguchi as representative director and CEO, effective 1 April, 2025.

Morii, who currently serves as the company’s chief retail and marketing officer, will succeed Minaguchi as he retires from the role. Minaguchi has been Starbucks Japan's CEO since 2014.

Morii became chief marketing officer at Starbucks Japan in 2018 and was promoted to her current role in 2023. Prior to this, she held senior marketing positions at Unilever, including vice president of marketing and marketing manager.

Minaguchi commented: "I’ve decided to pass the baton to Hisae Morii who has supported the growth of Starbucks as chief retail and marketing officer. We’ve prepared ourselves since more than a year ago for the smooth transition to build on the journey we’ve taken together. The growth of Starbucks is supported by casual and organic conversations taking place every day at stores, moments of connection over a cup and the passion of every individual partner who makes that possible. I’m convinced that under Morii-san’s leadership, this aspiration of ours stays alive and our brand continues to be increasingly warm, welcoming and engaging."

Morii added: "I’m happy to announce that I’ve just taken the position of CEO of Starbucks Coffee Japan. First, I would like to extend my sincere respect and gratitude for the journey that Minaguchi has led as CEO over the years."

She continued: "Starbucks has connected people and delivered warm moments of inspiration one cup at a time. I would like to build on this aspiration as we continue to create a new future with our customers, partners and communities."

"The biggest strength of Starbucks is “people”. Starbucks owes who it is today to our partners who welcome and connect with customers with great smile and many of those who support our brand. I strongly believe that the aspiration of every single partner brings the feel of warmth to customers’ heart and makes possible the special moment of engagement."

"We continue to deepen our connection with communities, respect their cultures and personalities and send out messages of how attractive those communities are as we aim to stay as an invaluable partner for our customers. I’m looking forward to working with Starbucks partners across the country to continue to build up Starbucks that our customers, communities and we take pride in."