The former Starbucks CEO has lived the American dream. : Howard Schultz is officially stepping down from his role as executive chairman to become the chairman emeritus, an honorary title recognizing the executives tenure at the ubiquitous chain. The legendary leader of Starbucks coffee is a billionaire more than two and a half times over, with a net worth of $2.6 billion, according to Forbes. Schultz left his role of CEO in April of 2017 — for the second time. He served as CEO from 1987 to 2000 and then returned to take the helm in 2008.