SEATTLE, March 16(CNBC)--Starbucks Corporation announced that Kevin Johnson, president and chief executive officer, intends to retire after a 13-year tenure at the company, including the last five years as ceo.

Johnson will transition from his current role on April 4, 2022, and will continue to serve as a Starbucks partner (employee) and special consultant to the company and Board of Directors through September.

The Starbucks Board of Directors has been engaged in continuous ceo succession planning, assisted by Russell Reynolds Associates since 2021, and anticipates selecting a new leader by the Fall.

To ensure seamless stewardship of the company until a permanent successor is named, the Board has appointed Howard Schultz as interim chief executive officer, effective April 4, 2022. Schultz will also rejoin the company’s Board of Directors.