Starbucks APAC VP of product and marketing departs after 12 years

Starbucks’ vice president of product and marketing for Asia Pacific Samuel Fung (pictured) has stepped down after 12 years to take on a career break and his last day was 14 February.

Fung has more than 24 years of experience in the areas of retail marketing, business process and system re-engineering, organisation transformation, business development, and enterprise project management.

He joined Starbucks in 2013 as director, project management office, strategy & business development, China & Asia Pacific and has helmed several senior positions over the years.

Most recently as vice president of product and marketing for Asia Pacific, he was tasked with overseeing marketing, retail lobby and digital customer experience across 15 markets for Starbucks Asia Pacific, leading regional marketing campaigns, brand partnerships, loyalty and digital programmes, and category business for packaged coffee and retail merchandise. Before joining Starbucks, he led the PMO at Levi Strauss, Bayer, and Schick.

In a LinkedIn post, Fung expressed his gratitude to his team, market partners and everyone at Starbucks for their support, hard work and dedication. “It's been my privilege to work alongside many of you, navigate complex issues, drive impactful innovation and deliver meaningful results over the past 12 years. I have learnt a great deal from you and I am immensely proud of the extraordinary team and the family we have built together, and the values we have upheld during the most challenging period,” he said.

“Thanks to all of you who have been part of my Starbucks journey. The role may change, but respect and appreciation remain. While I am taking a short career break, I am looking forward to the next chapter and to the new opportunities that lie ahead!” he added.

Don't miss: Starbucks invites customers to 'Get Together' to drive positive actions

Most recently, Starbucks unveiled a new regional campaign to spark meaningful conversations that drive positive actions – one conversation at a time, two cups at a time. 

Launching across Asia Pacific, the “Get together” campaign invites customers to rally around three core pillars: people, community, and environment, with activities and initiatives that foster positive change in ways both big and small. 

Starting from February to the end of 2025, the campaign will shine spotlights on locally relevant themes and drive actions such as community pledges, donations, activities with NGOs.

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