Kim Spalding is a technology, consumer and retail executive and leadership coach with three decades of experience as a CEO, board member and product innovator. She is a sought-after counselor and expert at guiding executive development and performance. Kim is known for driving growth, transformation and innovation across Fortune 500s and high-growth ventures, including Google, Starbucks and disruptive SaaS and AI startups.
As a member of Spencer Stuart’s Leadership Advisory Services, Kim brings out the best in CEOs and executives taking on new roles and navigating challenging environments. She leverages her experience with an interactive approach to build strong partnerships with CEOs and directors driving disruption and growth.
Diverse leadership experience for informed talent leadership
- Kim led multiple startups leveraging technology to drive growth, including AI solutions for the food industry to help modernize legacy operations.
- At Starbucks, she held multiple executive roles across product, technology — and operations, including leading the coffee category, the $3B espresso beverage category and launching the Starbucks app and mobile payment.
- As a GM at Google, she led a multibillion-dollar business within emerging Google Ads segments, responsible for substantial campaign and revenue growth along with helping strengthen the global talent pipeline.
- Kim’s earliest career experience was for consulting firms Andersen and McKinsey, where she first laid the foundation of organizational leadership and strategy.
Kim earned her B.A. in psychology from Austin College and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School as well as Stanford Rock School Director’s College. She is a board member and compensation committee chair of the retailer Peacock Alley. Kim ran a family winery from 2000 to 2008. She serves on the board of the Community Women's Orchestra in Oakland, CA, where she also plays the upright bass. She has been welcomed as a guest lecturer at the Wharton School as well as a speaker on AI and the effective use of data in consumer and operational industries.