The global coffee chain Starbucks on September 1 announced that the company had appointed India-born Laxman Narasimhan as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will join on October 1 after relocating to Seattle, Washington, from London.

Narasimhan currently heads UK-based health, hygiene and nutrition company Reckitt and will replace the global coffee giant's iconic Howard Schultz, who will continue as its interim CEO until April 2023.

Laxman Narasimhan As Starbucks Next CEO

The 55-year-old will work closely with the interim CEO before taking over formally on April 1, when he will assume the chief's role and join Starbucks' board. Schultz will continue as a member of the company's board, remain closely involved with Starbucks' reinvention, and function as an ongoing advisor to Narasimhan.

Schultz said Narasimhan is "uniquely positioned" to head the coffee giant, with a demonstrated track record of growth in both the mature and emerging markets.

Before Joining The Coffee Giant

Laxman Narasimhan was Reckitt's CEO, who announced his surprise departure from the post earlier on Thursday. According to Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE), the company's shares dropped 5 per cent following the announcement.

The 55-year-old served different leadership roles at PepsiCo, including as global chief commercial officer and CEO of the company's Latin America, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa operations.

Further, he held the position of senior partner at McKinsey & Co., where he focused on its consumer, retail and technology practices in the US, Asia and India.

Early Education In India & West

The incoming Starbuck CEO holds a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pune in India. Then he headed west, picking up a Master's degree in German and international studies from The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania.He has a double Post Graduate degree in Master's of Business Administration in Finance from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania.