Starbucks’ Dan Saxby on dogs, F1 and eggnog

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Dan Saxby Headshot

Name: Dan Saxby

Job title: Beverage product developer

Company: Starbucks EMEA

What was your first job? My first job was a weekend role at a Sainsbury’s Local when I was 16. A few of my friends worked the same shift, which made it a lot of fun for a first job. We definitely made the most of it! I’m not sure the supervisors loved having a group of friends together every weekend, but for us it was the perfect introduction to working life.

What’s been your worst job interview? My worst interview was more of a funny misunderstanding than a disaster. I applied for what I thought was a dream role – being a barista for an F1 team and traveling with them to every race to make coffee. I turned up excited, started the interview, and then the interviewer apologised and explained the job description was wrong. The role was actually for working the morning shift in their office canteen.

We both quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit, especially since I’d need to be on-site for 7am and my commute would have been four hours! They felt bad about the mix-up, so they gave me a full tour of the facilities and even showed me all their historic F1 cars. So, while it was technically my worst interview, it ended up being a very cool experience.

“Nothing says ‘welcome to the job’ like lying on the floor covered in eggnog”

What was the first music single you bought? Blue (Da Ba Dee) by Eiffel 65. I am shocked I remember this.

How do you describe your job to your friends? I tell them I’m part of the innovation team that creates all the beverages you see in Starbucks stores across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. If there’s a new drink on the menu, chances are we’ve been involved in developing it, from the first idea to the final recipe.

I do always encourage my friends to go out and try the new beverages so they can see what we’ve been working on.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? The people I get to work with every day. From my immediate team to the wider cross-functional group, I’ve built some amazing friendships at Starbucks. Seeing a product launch and watching consumers enjoy something we’ve worked so hard on is a great feeling, but it’s the collaboration and relationships behind those moments that make it truly rewarding. Starbucks really fosters that sense of connection and collaboration, and it’s something I value deeply.

What is the least rewarding part? When unexpected challenges arise as part of the process which potentially impact a launch you’ve invested time and energy into. It’s never easy to see plans shift at the last minute.

However, I’d say I’m an optimist, so I try to see the upside. I really enjoy how these challenges force us to pivot and create an environment of rapid problem-solving and collaboration. There’s a real sense of momentum among the cross-functional team, and with our supplier partners. When everything is back on track and the challenge is resolved, it feels like one of the biggest wins.

NPD starbucks frappe

What is your motto in life? Big one for me: be nice and be kind.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Honestly, I just want to bring my dog to work.

Do you have any phobias? Moths. I can’t stand them!

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I’d make grocery shopping more of an experience. It’s starting to happen already, some retailers are already reimagining their store formats. They’re creating spaces that feel more like food destinations than supermarkets, with fresh counters, tasting areas and visually striking layouts that make you want to explore. I’d love to see more of that across the industry: interactive zones, stories behind the products and opportunities to discover something new.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? Again, I’d just want my dog with me.

What animal most reflects your personality? My dog (again), Keza. She’s a labrador, so she’s very chilled and very laid back but can still be a bit of a wind-up and a joker at times!

What’s your favourite film and why? I’d say Banshees of Inisherin. I love how it blends dark humour with themes of friendship and isolation in such a unique way. The setting and dialogue are so simple yet so powerful, and it really makes you reflect on human relationships and what we value in life.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? When I first started as a Starbucks barista, it was peak festive season and the store was packed. I was learning the ropes on bar and managed to spill an entire pitcher of eggnog on the floor. I went to grab the mop and bucket, feeling very responsible, only to come back, slip on the eggnog, and go flying in front of a café full of customers and my whole team.

Nothing says ‘welcome to the job’ like lying on the floor covered in eggnog.

\Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Matty Matheson, no question. His aesthetic is loud, colourful, and full of personality, like his tattoos and bold outfits that make him instantly recognisable. He’s got this cool, unfiltered energy that makes him really authentic and fun.

What would your death row meal be? My death row meal would be an absolute feast. I’d start with freshly baked, warm pains au chocolat. To drink, it has to be an iced soy white mocha. Then I’d go for my mum’s spaghetti bolognese with plenty of garlic bread.

After that, a platter of sushi, some smash burgers, a porchetta sandwich from Meat & Bread in Vancouver and then some al pastor tacos from Lazarus Brewing in Austin. If I still had room then I’d definitely add a full Chinese takeaway in there to. And to finish, a box of hazelnut praline chocolate seashells.

Honestly, that was the toughest question yet!