president
Seattle's Best Coffee
Michelle Gass was named president, Seattle’s Best Coffee in September, 2009, further highlighting the importance of the brand within Starbucks Corporation. In this role, Michelle is responsible for all aspects of the Seattle’s Best Coffee business, including global brand strategy, multi-channel growth plans, and existing and future businesses. The business today includes the portfolio of specialty coffee cafes across the U.S., the packaged coffee business in grocery and other retail channels, and the Seattle’s Best Coffee foodservice business, which includes partnerships with Alaska Airlines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Subway Restaurants, among others. Michelle also oversees Seattle’s Best Coffee’s growing franchising program. Prior to this role, Michelle served as executive vice president, Marketing and Category for Starbucks Corporation, when she was responsible for all aspects of the global marketing & product management function for Starbucks. She and her team drove critical initiatives as part of the Starbucks Transformation Agenda, including the launch of Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew, the reinvention of the Starbucks fresh food program “Real Food. Simply Delicious,” the introduction of the Starbucks Rewards platform, and the branding and launch of Starbucks™ Shared Planet™, including partnerships with both Fair Trade Organization and Product(RED). Michelle joined Starbucks in 1996 as the marketing manager for Frappuccino® blended beverages and helped to architect the plan that is now a billion dollar brand for Starbucks globally. Over the course of her marketing career at Starbucks, Michelle has driven many innovations across categories, introducing Starbucks customers to such favorites as the Pumpkin Spice Latte, Holiday beverages, Tazo® tea beverages, and many other seasonal favorites. Michelle was also responsible for Starbucks entry into fresh lunch and breakfast, including the introduction of warmed breakfast sandwiches, Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal and Vivanno™ Smoothies. Michelle served in a special assignment in 2008 in the Office of the CEO leading the Global Strategy function, and worked with the senior team to create the Transformation Agenda that continues to be the blueprint for Starbucks strategic efforts. Before joining Starbucks, Michelle worked with Procter & Gamble in marketing and new product development. She holds a master in business administration from the University of Washington and a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Outside of Seattle’s Best Coffee, Michelle serves on the Board of Directors for Ann Taylor. She is married and has two children.