Technology veteran William Connors joins Starbucks as International Retail Systems Manager
William Connors is starting a new position as International Retail Systems Manager at Starbucks.
He left Wingstop UK earlier this year, where he served as Head of Information Technology, and for the past few months has been working as an IT consultant.
Connors' CV also includes stints at Noble Restaurant Group (as Director of IT) and Ring International Holdings (Head of IT Operations).
Under fire
In September, Starbucks said it would cut about 900 US jobs and close its worst performing stores Stateside, and it would also shutter some UK stores as part of a cost saving initiative.
It's a move that has not gone down at all well with a number of employees, both past and present.
In a LinkedIn post, Katie Herod, Strategy Principal, Global Coffee & Sustainabilty, said: "While I am so fortunate to still have a job today, I'm angry. For 50 years, Starbucks has been a different kind of company - one that delivered long-term value to its shareholders by investing in and lifting up its people through generous benefits, an intentional and powerful culture, and a steadfast dedication to its craft."
"But two rounds of layoffs in six months signal a shift. A race to the bottom line, with jobless partners as collateral damage. Every partner leaving today is a piece of the fabric that makes this company inimitable, but the fabric is getting thin."
She added: "In a perhaps a career limiting move, I am pleading to my leaders in this very public way to protect the soul of this company. Protect its people. Protect its coffee. Protect its humanity. A good culture trumps a good strategy any day, and a good culture is only possible with good people.”
“I'm watching a lot of good people walk out the door today, and I'm heartbroken and I'm worried. As always, I'm here to help anyone looking for help or advice on independent consulting or contracting."
Responding to Herod's post, Jamie Thorn, a former Starbucks employee, said: "Thank you for this courageous post. I was part of round one (the first 1,100) after giving 22 years to a company I truly believed in. I thought I’d retire at Starbucks and was devastated."
"I have found “life after Starbucks” and there really is so much out in world! But, I’m saddened and angered by how things are playing out at what was once an iconic company due to the investment and care that was put into partners and the culture we upheld. Take care partners, you are valuable."
Whilst another former employee, Greg Clauson, commented: "As someone that was let go in May during the first massive layoff, that “leadership” team has a LOT of work to do to bring back any trust from current partners, or talented workers looking at Starbucks as a future employer."
"A lot of us gave decades to that place, only to have some Billionaire come in with his Jet commute and say “let’s get back to Starbucks” as if he has any clue what that means. I will forever be sad at what that place has become. I thought we were different, but we weren’t. It’s all about greed in the end."
Starbucks did not respond to our request for comment.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Employee experiences a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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