US coffee shop operator Starbucks announced that Jim Donald, former chairman, president and chief executive officer, Pathmark Stores, has accepted the position of president, Starbucks North America.

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Donald will assume his new role in early November, and will report to Orin Smith, president and CEO of Starbucks Coffee Company.


Donald succeeds Howard Behar, former head of Starbucks Coffee International, who came out of retirement in September 2001 to lead Starbucks North America on an interim basis. Behar, who will work closely with Donald during the transition of responsibilities, will remain on the board of directors of Starbucks Coffee Company and Starbucks Coffee International.


Donald has served in his most recent position since 1996. Additionally, he has held several senior leadership positions at top-tier retail companies including Safeway, Wal-Mart and Albertson’s.

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