Starbucks has appointed former Mars sustainability executive Marika McCauley Sine as its new Chief Sustainability Officer. McCauley Sine takes on the role from departing CSO Michael Kobori, who has led sustainability, social impact, and ESG efforts at the company since 2020.

McCauley Sine joins Starbucks after nearly ten years at snacking, food, and pet care products provider Mars, most recently serving as Chief Sustainability Officer at Mars Petcare, leading the business’ sustainability strategy and governance worldwide, with a focus on climate action, circular packaging and sustainable sourcing. She has also served as Global Vice President, Sustainability and as Director, Human Rights at Mars. Prior to joining Mars, McCauley Sine worked at The Coca-Cola Company, serving in a series of sustainability roles.

In a social media post announcing her appointment, McCauley Sine said:

“It will be an honor to lead sustainability for such an impactful business and beloved brand, in collaboration with talented partners and community members around the world. I am inspired to help advance the Starbucks legacy of doing business with humanity and fostering connection, opportunity, and joy through exceptional coffee.”

Kobori was appointed Starbucks’ first Chief Sustainability Officer in early 2020, joining the company after serving as Vice President, Sustainability at Levi Strauss & Co. In a social media post announcing his retirement, Kobori said:

“It is with a heart full of love and gratitude that I embark on my long-planned retirement.  Five years since becoming Starbucks first Chief Sustainability Officer, I will retire effective the end of 2024.

As I do so, I am deeply grateful to my devoted team; our partners around the world ; and the corporate, civil society, and government colleagues who have built Starbucks into a force for sustainability and social justice.”