Jim Donald

Jim Donald is highly regarded as a seasoned entrepreneur with a distinguished career in business and retail sectors. Having previously acted as CEO of Starbucks, Extended Stay Hotels and Pathmark Supermarkets, Jim has a plethora of expertise perfect to share at a range of corporate events and functions. Jim began his career in the supermarket industry, now boasting over 35 years of experience in the sector. He started working at Publix Super Markets in 1971, before moving to Albertsons in 1976. Jim progressed through the ranks at Albertsons, going through managerial roles until he ultimately became head of operations in Arizona.

His time spent at Albertson’s caught the attention of the Walmart founder, Sam Walton. Walmart was struggling, and so they enlisted Jim’s help to develop and expand operations. Jim was responsible for real estate operations, store designs, distribution and merchandise. His time spent with Walmart earned Jim respect within the retail sector, and he was later called upon to be the president and manager of the Safeway Eastern division. After being responsible for 10,000 employees, 130 stores and two distribution centres, Jim learnt valuable business management lessons. This was then followed by a role at Pathmark Stores, where Jim acted as CEO, chairman and president of Pathmark Stores.

In 2002 Jim first joined Starbucks, acting as the president of the North American division of the chain. Three years later in 2005, Jim took on the role of CEO and the chain experienced rapid global expansion. Jim focused on social responsibility whilst working for Starbucks, working to ensure ethical sourcing of products and reduce the environmental footprint of the company. Jim was then called upon to help Extended Stay Hotels in 2010 after they were faced with the possibility of bankruptcy. Jim’s personal and hands-on approach saw the hotel chain rehabilitated, successfully overseeing the hotels $565 million IPO.

Jim has received a number of awards for the work he has accomplished throughout his career. He has been named as one of the 25 Most Influential Business Travel Executives by Business Travel News and one of the Top 25 CEOs in the World by The Best Practise Institute. With such a diverse career, Jim is the perfect addition to a range of corporate events. Able to cover topics such as business management, retail, leadership, consumer behaviour, emerging markets and finance Jim is a knowledgeable individual to bring insight to your team.