Mellody Hobson

Mellody Hobson is a prominent American businesswoman,born on April 3, 1969. She currently holds the position ofpresident and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, a renowned investment management firm. Additionally, Hobson serves as the chairwoman ofStarbucks Corporation, making her one of the highest-profile corporate directors in the United States.

Throughout her career, Mellody Hobson has held influential leadership roles in various notable companies. She was previouslythe chairwoman of DreamWorks Animation, where she played a key role in negotiating the acquisition of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., by NBCUniversal in August 2016.

In 2017, Mellody Hobson achieved a significant milestone as she becamethe first African-American woman to head The Economic Club of Chicago, an esteemed organization focused on economic and business-related discussions and events.

Her accomplishments and influence have garnered her widespread recognition. In Forbes' prestigious list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, she ranked #94 as of 2020, underscoring her significant contributions to the business world and beyond.

On December 26, 2020, a groundbreaking announcement was made, appointing Mellody Hobson as the chairwoman of Starbucks Corp. This appointment marked a historic moment as she became the first black woman to hold the position of chairperson of an S&P 500 company, further solidifying her position as a trailblazer and a role model for aspiring business leaders.

Mellody Hobson's impressive career trajectory and her pioneering accomplishments have made her a respected and influential figure in the corporate world. Her leadership, business acumen, and dedication to driving positive change continue to inspire and pave the way for diverse representation and excellence in corporate leadership.