New Starbucks CEO Narasimhan Takes Reins Early From Schultz (1)

Starbucks Corp. said Laxman Narasimhan has assumed the role of chief executive officer on Monday, two weeks earlier than planned.

Narasimhan, 55, has also joined the company’s board of directors, Starbucks said in a statement. He began working at the coffee giant in October and has spent the last few months getting to know the operations at more than 30 stores, manufacturing and support facilities. He also earned a barista certification.

Laxman Narasimhan

Photographer: Guillermo Gutierrez/Bloomberg

He replaces company founder Howard Schultz, who had served as interim CEO since returning in April.

“Laxman’s intensive immersion into the business coupled with his extensive ...