Starbucks named Andrew Corner SVP of supply chain operations, effective Aug. 24, the coffee chain confirmed to Supply Chain Dive.
In his new role, Corner will focus on transforming Starbucks’ supply chain, enhancing overall network efficiency as well as the coffeehouse partner experience, according to a spokesperson.
Prior to joining Starbucks, Corner spent more than nine years at Nike in several roles, according to his LinkedIn profile. Most recently, Corner served as VP of global supply chain and planning operations. Other roles include VP of global supply chain innovation, senior director of digital supply chain in North America, as well as senior director of transportation and customs and procurement for the EMEA region.
Before Nike, Corner spent five years at Burberry, holding roles including VP of supply chain in the Americas and senior manager of global contracts and logistics, per his LinkedIn profile.
Starbucks has been focused on modernizing its supply chain, including experimenting with new ways to optimize inventory management. During a Q3 earnings call, CEO Brian Niccol said technology — including inventory ordering systems — will be a critical part of its strategy moving forward.
Currently, Starbucks is testing a 24-hour operating model as it looks to improve speed, availability and reliability across its supply chain operations. The goal is to be “never out of stock,” Niccol told analysts.
However, not every experiment is successful. Last year, the coffee company rolled out an artificial intelligence-powered tool with the intention of helping employees keep better track of in-store stock. However, the computer vision inventory tool was scrapped nine months later as employees labeled it as “unreliable.” Now, Starbucks aims to have a single process for all inventory counts in a bid for better accuracy.
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