Starbucks International CEO Sells Shares Worth Hundreds of Millions, Expands Director Compensation

Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ: SBUX) disclosed on April 6 that International Division CEO Brady Brewer sold 1,641 shares of the company’s common stock at $90 per share, generating approximately $147,000 in proceeds (roughly KRW 200 million). Even after this sale, Brewer’s direct and indirect holdings remain sizable, valued at about $7.59 million (around KRW 106 billion).

On March 24, the company withheld a portion of CFO Cash R. Smith’s shares at roughly $92 per share to cover taxes following the vesting of her restricted stock units (RSUs). Smith continues to hold tens of thousands of shares.

On March 25, independent director Richard E. Allison Jr. received approximately 4,000 fully vested RSUs as deferred compensation. This grant increased only his RSU balance—no cash changed hands.

At its April 15 board meeting, Starbucks approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share of common stock. The company is scheduled to report its quarterly results on April 28.

Under its “Back to Starbucks” strategy, the company is driving mid- to long-term growth and restoring profitability by expanding seating in U.S. stores, refreshing its menu and enhancing its digital rewards program.

Founded in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks is the world’s largest coffeehouse chain, operating tens of thousands of stores globally through a mix of company-operated and licensed locations. Brewer joined Starbucks in 2001, held various marketing and international roles, and became International Division CEO in 2024. The company’s Group CEO is Brian Niccol, who assumed the role in September 2024.