Russell Butcher

Russell joined Starbucks in September 2015 and leads our partner (employee) strategy and strategic programmes, including our wellbeing and partner care programmes, opportunity priority hiring, inclusion and diversity.

At Starbucks, Russell has spearheaded our pre-employment and priority hiring initiatives across EMEA, including our partnerships and industry leading work supporting opportunity youth, apprenticeships and refugee hiring, amongst others.

Russell has also been instrumental in leading on the introduction of many of Starbucks EMEA leading partner programmes and tools including wellbeing initiatives such as; Headspace, Partner Life – our reimagined EAP service, a range of health and financial wellbeing related benefits, introduced mental health training, and launched a partner hardship fund.

A passion for inclusion, Russell also led on the formation of our first EMEA partner networks – which are partner led and aimed at helping drive our connection and inclusive culture - as well as our partner interest free tenancy rental deposit scheme, Home Sweet Loan.

A Leicester City fan, Russell lives in the Midlands with his wife, three daughters, two dogs and cat.