Stirring things up: Starbucks Japan names first female CEO

Just days ahead of International Women’s Day, Starbucks Coffee Japan is marking leadership diversity with the appointment of Hisae Morii as its next chief executive officer.

Effective 1 April, Morii will take on the role, succeeding Takafumi Minaguchi, who is stepping down to become an adviser after six years in charge.

Morii, currently the chief retail and marketing officer, is set to become the first Japanese woman to lead the coffee giant’s operations in the country.

Her appointment is not just a personal career milestone – it’s also a signal that the tide is slowly turning in Japan’s corporate landscape, where women remain underrepresented at the highest levels of decision-making.

A leader who knows the brew

With over five years at Starbucks Japan, Morii understands the company’s operations in depth. She played a crucial role in modernising customer engagement and spearheading the launch of mobile ordering and payment services – a move that resonated with Japan’s digitally savvy consumers.

Before joining the coffee chain, Morii made her mark in the consumer goods industry, holding leadership roles across Asia, including serving as marketing director at Unilever Japan. Her extensive experience in brand strategy and consumer behaviour will be pivotal as she navigates the challenges of leading Starbucks Japan in a competitive and evolving market.

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Starbucks is about more than just a cup of coffee

Branding experts know that Starbucks isn’t just about selling coffee – it’s also about crafting experiences. With nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, the company has cemented itself as a staple in Japan’s coffee culture.

Under Minaguchi’s leadership, the brand strengthened its presence and market share, making Japan one of Starbucks’ most profitable regions outside the US.

Now, as the company prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026, Morii is expected to lead the next phase of growth. That means doubling down on digital innovation, enhancing customer experiences, and staying ahead of shifting consumer preferences.

“We are excited to see Hisako Morii step up as our new CEO, bringing her expertise to navigate the future of Starbucks Japan,” company representatives said of the leadership transition.

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A wake-up call for Corporate Japan?

The appointment reflects changes taking shape in Japan’s corporate world. While progress has been slow, there is growing recognition that diverse leadership teams drive business success.

With Morii’s promotion, Starbucks joins a small but expanding group of firms breaking traditional leadership moulds and opening doors for more women at the top.

In a country where boardrooms have long been dominated by men, the timing of Starbucks’ announcement – so close to International Women’s Day – carries extra weight.

The news serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder that there’s still work to be done in creating more inclusive leadership pipelines.

Brewing a new future

Morii takes the reins at a time when Starbucks Japan is evolving its brand strategy. With a strong track record in digital and marketing innovation, she is poised to lead the company into its next chapter – one that will likely focus on deeper customer engagement, sustainability efforts, and a seamless fusion of tradition and technology.

Her leadership will also serve as an inspiration for aspiring female executives across Japan, proving that the glass ceiling – while still intact in many industries – is beginning to show more cracks.

With Starbucks Japan moving forward, Morii’s promotion to CEO is changing leadership culture in the country even if by a quantum. It’s also changing perceptions.

And if her past achievements are any indication, Morii is more than ready to stir things up.