Starbucks Assigns CEO For Burgeoning Chinese Market

Starbucks Corp. has named its first chief executive officer for China and said it plans to more than double its store count in that country to 5,000 by 2021.

Belinda Wong has assumed the title of CEO-Starbucks China. Wong had been president of that operation. Starbucks also promoted Leo Tsoi, most recently v.p.-store development and design for the division, to the post of Starbucks China COO.

The Seattle chain has operated in China for 17 years, and has more than 2,300 cafes in 100-plus cities there. Starbucks will open its first international Roastery and Reserve Tasting Room in Shanghai in 2017.