HOWARD SCHULTZ TO STEP DOWN

Howard Schultz of Starbucks will leave his current position as Executive Chairman at the end of June, raising speculation about a bid for the U.S. presidential run. Schultz, 64, bought Starbucks in the late 1980s and went on to set up about 28,000 outlets in 77 countries. Asked about his political aspirations, Schultz said, “I intend to think about a range of options, and that could include public service.