Howard Schultz will be replaced as Starbucks CEO by longtime technology executive Kevin Johnson, a veteran of Microsoft and other tech companies. We discuss the implications of that change — and float a theory about Schultz’s future plans — on this “Week in Geek” segment of the GeekWire podcast this week.
GeekWire also connected with several of Johnson’s former colleagues for this profile after the announcement was made. Former Microsoft executive Steven Sinofsky, for example, had high praise for Johnson, saying will be “an amazing asset” as Starbucks CEO given his past experience in technology.
In streaming news, Netflix is finally allowing downloads, Amazon is making it easy to sign up for HBO Now, and DirecTV unveiled its new streaming service.
Plus, we examine Seattle’s new status as the nation’s hottest housing market, discuss a newspaper publisher’s novel partnership with Microsoft, and explain why Amazon rolled out a giant semi truck on stage in Las Vegas this week. Check out all of GeekWire reporter Dan Richman’s coverage from AWS re:Invent.
Listen to the episode above or download the MP3 here.