Howard Schultz, Starbucks Founder and Global Business Leader, Joins Gopuff’s Board of Directors

Schultz’s appointment signals deep conviction in Gopuff’s vision to transform the future of shopping and improve the customer experience

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gopuff, the leader in instant commerce, today announced that Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks, has joined the company’s board of directors. The appointment marks a defining moment for Gopuff as it continues to build on significant business momentum and push forward its mission to transform how consumers shop.

As Chairman and CEO of Starbucks, Schultz transformed the company from a six-store operation in 1987 to one of the world’s most iconic consumer companies, now in 90 countries, with 400,000 employees, more than 40,000 stores and a market capitalization over $100 billion. During his storied tenure, Schultz served as CEO and chairman of the board, building Starbucks with an emphasis on people, the customer experience and a place of connection.

Since leaving Starbucks, Schultz continues to serve as chairman emeritus of the company, offering insights and advice where needed. He has since extended his mentorship to several next generation entrepreneurs and founders at various companies with a heavy emphasis on helping to cultivate people-first businesses.

“I’m excited to join the board at Gopuff and share my learning and experience of over 40 years in building Starbucks. Gopuff is in the imprinting stage of its culture and growth, and I look forward to seeing it continue to build trust earned through quality, consistency and a deep respect for customers,” said Schultz.

“We are humbled to welcome Howard Schultz to Gopuff’s board of directors,” said Yakir Gola, co-founder and co-CEO of Gopuff. “Howard built an iconic brand that changed the daily routines of people across the globe and what they expect from the companies they love. But more importantly, he built it with an unwavering belief that how you treat people matters most. Rafael and I share that conviction deeply. As we enter our next phase of growth, we look forward to Howard's partnership as we work together to redefine the way consumers shop.”

“We've long been inspired by Howard's success and his approach to business,” said Rafael Ilishayev, co-founder and co-CEO of Gopuff. “He created an entirely new category and built a company with values at its core – one that continues to define what a great consumer brand looks like decades later. Now, with the most exciting chapter for Gopuff still ahead, we are honored to have Howard’s wisdom and perspective in our boardroom.”

The appointment comes during a period of positive momentum for Gopuff. In recent months, the company has driven meaningful innovation for its customers and sharpened its focus on what makes Gopuff the best at instant commerce: speed, reliability and affordability. Schultz’s experience leading complex global businesses through shifting economic environments makes him a valuable voice as the company defines the future of shopping.

Schultz joins three-time CEO and serial technology entrepreneur Betsy Atkins on Gopuff’s board. Atkins, a corporate governance expert, joined as Gopuff’s first independent board member in 2021.

About Gopuff

Gopuff, the leader in instant commerce, offers more than 5,000 products delivered in as fast as 15 minutes. Founded in 2013 by Yakir Gola and Rafael Ilishayev, the company operates its own micro-fulfillment centers, leveraging proprietary technology and a hyper-local logistics network to offer speed, reliability, and affordability to millions of customers across the U.S. and U.K.

To learn more, visit www.gopuff.com or follow Gopuff on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Download the Gopuff app on iOS and Android.