Starbucks Appoints Mary Dillon to Drive Digital Innovation

Starbucks Corporation announced Thursday that Mary Dillon, CEO of Ulta Beauty was elected to the Starbucks Board of Directors on Jan. 4 and she will serve on the Board’s Compensation and Management Development Committee.

Dillon brings three decades of experience leading consumer-driven brands to build brand engagement and drive growth. She is expected to add retail brand perspective and customer digital innovation to Starbucks Board of Directors.

Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, Dillon served as president and CEO of U.S. Cellular. Dillon previously served as global chief marketing officer and executive vice president for McDonald’s Corporation, where she led the company’s worldwide marketing efforts and global brand strategy, including a focus on children’s well-being initiatives. Prior to that, she served as president of PepsiCo’s Quaker Foods division.

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Dillon serves on the Ulta Beauty Board of Directors and previously served on the Board of Directors for Target Corporation and U.S. Cellular.

Dillon is an active member of the Chicago community and believes strongly in giving back as a mentor to other female business leaders. She currently serves on the Boards of several non-profits, including the Ounce of Prevention Fund, World Business Chicago, the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and Loyola Academy.

Dillon received her Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and Asian studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dillon has four children, and along with her husband Terry, resides in the Chicago area.

Starbucks also announced the upcoming retirement of Board member Olden Lee, retired executive of PepsiCo, immediately prior to Starbucks 2016 Annual Meeting in March. Lee has served on the Starbucks Board of Directors since 2003.