WASHINGTON — Starbucks’ AJ Jones II is stepping down from his role as the coffee giant’s chief corporate affairs officer to lead communications for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, whose holdings include three major Washington sports franchises.

As chief strategic and corporate communications officer, Jones will be responsible for developing, executing and amplifying MSE’s brand and corporate narrative; leading ownership, financial, investor, and community-based communications; and overseeing the company’s broader investor relations and stakeholder engagement strategies; and serving as a member of MSE’s leadership team.

In the executive VP role, Jones will report directly to Ted Leonsis, chairman and CEO of MSE, which owns the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, the Capital One Arena and other properties.

“AJ is a renowned communications leader whose expertise spans Fortune 500 companies, national non-profits, government organizations, and multilateral agencies,” said Leonsis. “As MSE continues to grow and evolve, AJ’s expansive senior executive experience across business sectors, industries, philanthropy, investor and international relations will be invaluable. His deep knowledge of customer service and entertainment will also help us enhance and showcase the unforgettable moments we strive to create for fans of our teams.”

In less than four years at Starbucks, Jones, one of PRovoke Media’s Influence 100, rapidly moved up the ranks, which included being named chief corporate affairs officer in January of 2024. His sweeping remit included the company's global government affairs and public policy as well as community impact, social impact, Starbucks’ Foundation and Starbucks Alumni functions worldwide. He previously served as chief communications and public affairs officer.

Before joining Starbucks, Jones was chief corporate affairs and communications officer for Vanda Pharmaceuticals and also held several executive roles at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.