Rosalind Brewer has been named group president and chief operating officer of Starbucks Corp., effective Oct. 2. Ms. Brewer is currently a member of Starbucks board of directors and will continue to serve on the board.

In her new role, Ms. Brewer will lead Starbucks’ operating businesses across the United States, Canada and Latin America, as well as the global functions of supply chain, product innovation and store development organizations.

“In addition to her valuable experience in consumer products and distribution, Ms. Brewer will also provide vast expertise in product development, product management, innovation, and international operations and distribution,” Starbucks said.

Most recently, Ms. Brewer was president and chief executive officer of Sam’s Club, wher she spent the last five years. Before that, she spent six years in executive roles at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and 22 years in executive roles at Kimberly-Clark.

Starbucks is a culture-first company focused on performance, and Roz is a world-class operator and executive who embodies the values of Starbucks,” said Kevin Johnson, president and c.e.o. of Starbucks. “She has been a trusted strategic counselor to me ever since she joined our board of directors, and I deeply value her insight, business acumen, and leadership expertise. Roz is the right leader to help us realize our greatest of ambitions in this next chapter of our journey. I am honored that Roz is joining Starbucks in this capacity and playing an important role with an accomplished team of senior leaders that reflects the strength and diversity of our organization.”