Kevin Johnson's net worth is estimated at $60-150 million, according to various aggregator sources, though estimates vary widely depending on which Starbucks and Microsoft stock holdings are counted. He built his wealth over a long executive career at Microsoft, as CEO of Juniper Networks, and as president and CEO of Starbucks from 2017 until his retirement in April 2022.
Johnson stepped down as Starbucks CEO in 2022 after 13 years with the company, with founder Howard Schultz returning as interim CEO before Laxman Narasimhan and later Brian Niccol (since September 2024) took over permanently. Since retiring, Johnson has taken board seats at Goldman Sachs and the AI chip startup Recogni.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Kevin Ronald Johnson |
| Born | October 9, 1960, Gig Harbor, Washington |
| Education | University of New Mexico (1981) |
| Known For | President and CEO of Starbucks, 2017-2022; former CEO of Juniper Networks; former Microsoft executive |
| Current Roles | Board member, Goldman Sachs (since 2022); board member, Recogni (since 2024) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $60-150 million (estimates vary) |
Early Career at Microsoft and Juniper Networks
Kevin Ronald Johnson was born on October 9, 1960, in Gig Harbor, Washington, and graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1981. He worked as a software developer for IBM before joining Microsoft, where he rose to become vice president of worldwide sales in 2003 and later one of a small group of senior executives working closely with Bill Gates. While at Microsoft in 2001, Johnson oversaw a project installing wireless internet in Starbucks stores, which is how he first met Starbucks founder Howard Schultz. He left Microsoft in 2008 to become CEO of Juniper Networks, a role he held until 2013.
Starbucks Career
Johnson joined Starbucks as chief operating officer and president in March 2015, later becoming CEO in 2017 when he succeeded Schultz. During his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of mobile ordering, growth in the China market, and a shift toward biodegradable straws, lids, and cups. He also faced internal criticism over the "North Star" customer-service initiative, which some employees said added to baristas' workloads, and scrutiny over executive compensation after Starbucks shareholders voted down a pay package in 2021. Johnson announced his retirement as CEO effective April 2022, after 13 years at the company; Howard Schultz returned as interim CEO before Laxman Narasimhan took over, with Brian Niccol becoming CEO in September 2024.
Life After Starbucks
Since retiring, Johnson has joined the board of directors of Goldman Sachs (2022) and, in 2024, the board of Recogni, an AI chip startup, drawing on his background as a former CEO of both Starbucks and Juniper Networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kevin Johnson's net worth?
Estimated at $60-150 million, though figures vary depending on how his Starbucks and Microsoft stock holdings are valued.
Is Kevin Johnson still CEO of Starbucks?
No. He retired in April 2022. Brian Niccol has been Starbucks's CEO since September 2024.
What does Kevin Johnson do now?
He serves on the boards of Goldman Sachs and the AI chip startup Recogni.