Starbucks founder Howard Schultz added to on demand delivery firm Gopuff’s board of directors

Quick commerce big hitter, Gopuff, reports that Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks, has joined the company’s board of directors.

Since leaving Starbucks, Schultz continues to serve as Chairman Emeritus, offering insights and advice where needed. He has since extended his mentorship to several next generation entrepreneurs and founders at various companies with an emphasis on helping to cultivate people first businesses.

“I’m excited to join the board at Gopuff and share my learning and experience of over 40 years in building Starbucks. Gopuff is in the imprinting stage of its culture and growth, and I look forward to seeing it continue to build trust earned through quality, consistency and a deep respect for customers,” says Schultz.

“We are humbled to welcome Howard Schultz to our board of directors,” says Yakir Gola, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Gopuff. “Howard built an iconic brand that changed the daily routines of people across the globe and what they expect from the companies they love.”

“But more importantly, he built it with an unwavering belief that how you treat people matters most. Rafael and I share that conviction deeply. As we enter our next phase of growth, we look forward to Howard's partnership as we work together to redefine the way consumers shop.”

“We've long been inspired by Howard's success and his approach to business,” says Rafael Ilishayev, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Gopuff. “He created an entirely new category and built a company with values at its core - one that continues to define what a great consumer brand looks like decades later. Now, with the most exciting chapter for Gopuff still ahead, we are honoured to have Howard’s wisdom and perspective in our boardroom.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

On demand delivery will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC 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.