The nonprofit Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI), a global leader in lean management thinking and practice, today announced the hiring of Joshua Howell as senior coach, co-learning activities. Howell was a primary architect and implementer of the lean operating system for retail stores at Starbucks, where he also led and developed a team of coaches to sustain the lean transformation globally.
“Josh has extensive skills in guiding a major lean transformation, in developing training, and in coaching people at all organizational levels in the implementation of lean management principles,” said John Shook, LEI chairman and CEO. “I’m pleased to welcome him to LEI where he will be a key contributor to achieving our mission of making things better through lean thinking and practice.”
Lean Implementation Experience
As senior coach, Howell will support co-learning partnerships, develop onsite and public workshops, and conduct research into the implementation of lean business systems.
At Starbucks Coffee Company, Howell had extensive experience in managing stores and mentoring associates. As a process specialist, he designed and implemented a standardized routine for brewing coffee that improved quality, increased product availability, and reduced waste in stores.
He also led cross-functional teams in applying the plan-do-check-act cycle of continuous improvement in multiple problem-solving initiatives. As the company’s Lean Practice Project Manager, he led the cross-functional team that developed and implemented a standardized lean operating system for retail stores. The system improved product quality, customer experiences, and the jobs of employees.
Howell holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame.
Lean Enterprise Institute
Lean Enterprise Institute Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, makes things better through lean research, education, publishing, and conferences. Guided by a mission to advance lean thinking and practice around the world, LEI also supports other lean initiatives such as the Lean Global Network, the Lean Education Academic Network, and the Healthcare Value Network. Visit LEI at https://www.lean.org for more information.