"With stores in thousands of communities across the country, we know these challenges can, at times, play out within our stores too. We read every incident report you file—it's a lot." Stroud and Nelson's letter details specific actions Starbucks will take in the coming weeks to help employees feel safer at work. This includes: Howard Schultz—who is reprising his role as CEO for a third time while a permanent replacement is found following Kevin Johnson's retirement—also penned a note to employees July 11. He acknowledged the "unprecedented cultural division and economic trauma" that affects workplace safety. But Schultz also acknowledged that Starbucks needs to change to serve its customers and be successful in the future. His letter outlined the company's reinvention plan, along with new programs and initiatives, which will be announced in the coming weeks. Some employees were critical of corporate's decision to close, saying they weren't consulted beforehand.