Starbucks Corp Executive Chairman Howard Schultz is stepping away from hands-on management at the global coffee chain, effective June 26, fueling speculation that the outspoken, liberal-leaning executive will make a US presidential bid. He became Starbucks' executive chairman last year, handing the chief executive job to Kevin Johnson at a time when growth in Starbucks' dominant US market was showing signs of cooling. Starbucks declined to make Schultz or other Starbucks executives and board members available for comment. As executive chairman, Schultz oversaw the opening of upscale Reserve stores and massive Roastery showrooms as part of its new Siren Retail initiative. Starbucks shares closed up 0.28 percent at $57.07 in regular Monday trading on the Nasdaq, but fell to $56.65 in afterhours trading.