Jim Alling Chief Executive Officer of TOMS

Jim Alling is CEO of global giving company TOMS, visiting Australia. following the launch of their first Australian flagship store late 2018  & here to host a global announcement for the TOMS' B Corporation certification.

In an increasingly competitive business environment, B Corporations are seeing additional benefits to certification including; attracting engaged and high-level staff talent, ability to have a greater impact on the world, working for greater sense of purpose, access to a tribe of other like-minded businesses globally and greater consumer loyalty. With over 2,655 businesses certified globally, the growing trend toward socially conscious corporate models proves businesses can be more than just profit-making machines, they can be meaningful too.

‘TOMS was born of a belief in a better tomorrow. Since 2006, the TOMS community has been providing shoes, sight, and safe water to millions of people around the world, one by one and One for One. Now, in addition to our One for One programs, we’re partnering with the artists and activists who are striving for progress—by creating, by inspiring, by doing. Because it’s bigger than shoes. It’s what we do in them’.

Jim Joined TOMS in April 2015 & is focused on developing a long-term strategic plan, stoking sales momentum, and building a senior team that continues to nurture a positive workplace environment.  While seeking to enhance the brand’s reputation for product innovation. He also embraces an aggressive growth strategy and an equally strong dedication to the company’s pioneering One for One business/philanthropy model. 

Most recently he served for five and a half years as COO of T-Mobile USA, including three months as interim CEO of the $24 billion wireless carrier. From 1997-2008 Alling served as an executive with Starbucks, originally joining the Seattle based company to lead the launch of its coffee into the grocery channel. Over eleven years he was promoted into a series of roles with ever-increasing scope and responsibility, eventually becoming president of Starbucks Coffee USA with over 10,000 retail locations, sales of more than $7 billion, and direct line management of 125,000+ employees.  He also served as president of Starbucks International, where he was responsible for more than 5,000 stores across 45 countries and achieved revenue growth of 30% year-over-year. 

He began his career at Nestle, where over a dozen years he was promoted through a series of packaged goods marketing assignments before becoming the youngest VP/general manager at Nestle USA. Among his achievements, he led the turnaround of its Coffee-mate brand into a $325 million franchise, with domestic sales currently exceeding $1.5 billion. 

Jim received a B.A. as a double major in Economics and Spanish from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, going on to earn a Master of International Management degree from the Thunderbird School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona.