Matthew Ryan is global chief strategy officer for Starbucks. In this role, he has responsibility for Starbucks long-term strategic planning process, identifying new avenues for growth, advancing the company’s data analytics and customer insight capabilities, and strengthening the company’s fast-growing customer relationship management and loyalty capabilities. Matt also serves on the company’s Operations Leadership Team, which is responsible for overseeing how company strategies successfully translate to operating plans. He graduated from Harvard University magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in history and literature.

Matthew was born fifth-generation Irish in Buffalo, NY, and though his family has been in the U.S. for generations says, “When I visit Ireland, I feel right at home, connected to the people, the land, and the spirit of the place.” He also says he owes Ireland for his sense of humor. Matthew is further connected to Ireland through his husband, Thomas, who by mere coincidence has the same surname. His husband is second-generation Irish and is applying for an Irish passport.