Starbucks has announced the appointment of Marika McCauley Sine as its new Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Sine will succeed Michael Kobori, who is set to retire, and will be responsible for steering Starbucks’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies. This transition comes at a critical time as the company strives to overcome recent setbacks in its sustainability goals, aiming to reduce its climate, water, and waste footprints by 50% by 2030, compared to a 2019 baseline. Sine brings a wealth of experience to this role, having previously served as Mars Inc.’s Global Vice President of Sustainability, where she led efforts in climate action, circular packaging, and sustainable sourcing. Her extensive background in advancing human rights and economic development during her tenure at The Coca-Cola Company further underscores her capability to address the complex challenges facing Starbucks today.
Starbucks’ dedication to sustainability is reflected not just in its ambitious targets but also in its strategic appointments. Sine will report to Michelle Burns, Starbucks’ Executive Vice President of Global Coffee and Sustainability, ensuring a collaborative approach within the company’s leadership. This partnership highlights the importance of cohesive efforts in achieving long-term sustainability objectives. McCauley Sine’s role will be pivotal in addressing the challenges Starbucks faces, including a recent increase in carbon emissions and waste generation. During the fiscal year 2023, the company experienced an 8% rise in its carbon footprint and a 13% increase in waste sent to landfill, underscoring the urgent need for effective leadership to navigate these hurdles.
Challenges and Strategic Importance
The appointment of McCauley Sine comes at a time when Starbucks has reported significant increases in both its carbon footprint and waste sent to landfill. These challenges highlight the pressing need for robust sustainability strategies and effective leadership within the company. The fiscal year 2023 saw an 8% increase in Starbucks’ carbon emissions and a 13% rise in waste sent to landfill, both compared to a 2019 baseline. These figures underscore the critical role McCauley Sine will play in steering the company towards its sustainability objectives and fulfilling its commitment to becoming a net-zero business by 2050.
McCauley Sine’s extensive experience in sustainability makes her well-suited to tackle these challenges. At Mars Inc., she led significant initiatives focusing on climate action, circular packaging, and sustainable sourcing. Her work included developing strategies that addressed broader environmental and social issues, aligning with Mars’ long-term sustainability goals. Before her tenure at Mars, she advanced human rights and economic development at The Coca-Cola Company, further demonstrating her capability to drive meaningful change. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to reinforce Starbucks’ commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, aligning with broader industry trends towards enhanced corporate sustainability practices.
Leadership and Industry Trends
Starbucks has named Marika McCauley Sine as its new Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), marking a key moment in its dedication to sustainability. Sine, taking over from Michael Kobori who is retiring, will be responsible for driving the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies. This shift comes as Starbucks aims to reduce its climate, water, and waste footprints by 50% by 2030, compared to 2019. Sine, previously Mars Inc.’s Global VP of Sustainability, has extensive experience in climate action, circular packaging, and sustainable sourcing. Her background at The Coca-Cola Company, focused on human rights and economic development, further equips her to tackle the challenges at Starbucks.
This appointment reflects Starbucks’ commitment to sustainability, highlighted by its strategic selections. Sine will report to Michelle Burns, EVP of Global Coffee and Sustainability, fostering a collaborative leadership approach. Her role is critical, especially with the company facing an 8% rise in carbon emissions and a 13% increase in waste in fiscal year 2023, signaling an urgent need for strong leadership to address these issues effectively.
