Starbucks names Ricardo Arias-Nath as Senior Vice President for Latin America

USA – Global coffee chain Starbucks has announced the appointment of Ricardo Arias-Nath as the new Senior Vice President of Starbucks Latin America and the Caribbean.  

Arias-Nath succeeds Tom Ferguson, who has held the role since August 2022. 

He will oversee 1,600 stores across more than 20 markets in his new position. His responsibilities will include expanding the Starbucks Experience while maintaining the company’s deep connection to the region.  

Starbucks has sourced Arabica coffee from Latin America since opening its first cafe in Seattle in 1971. 

Arias-Nath joined Starbucks in June 2024 after departing from PepsiCo, where he held various management roles, including Senior Vice President of Strategy and Transformation, Chief Marketing Officer for Beverages, and Franchise General Manager.  

During his tenure at PepsiCo, he contributed to regional growth initiatives and drove the Farm to Shelf strategy across Latin America for both food and beverage portfolios. 

Starbucks highlighted Arias-Nath’s extensive knowledge and expertise in general management, strategy, marketing, and business transformation.  

His understanding of the evolving landscape of consumer goods, media, distribution, and technology sectors positions him well to lead the company’s efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Earlier this year, Starbucks announced plans to implement leadership changes to create a clear geographic leadership structure supported by global functions with deep expertise. This restructuring aims to drive impact on a global scale.  

Following the announcement, Michael Conway was named CEO of the North America region, with Sara Trilling as Executive Vice President and President of the region. 

Additionally, Lyne Castonguay was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Merchant and Product Officer, overseeing the newly created global function focused on global product strategy and developing new products and growth platforms. 

Starbucks partners Mercedes-Benz 

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Starbucks to deploy fast-charging stations at more than 100 locations across the United States.  

The first phase of the program will feature 400 kW EV chargers at Starbucks stores along Interstate 5, a west coast travel corridor from Canada to Mexico, according to Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging.  

The network is set to expand to nearly half of the states in the country over the next 12 to 18 months, with plans to include around 10,000 charging points in the United States, Europe, China, and other core markets by the end of the decade. 

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