Starbucks North America CEO Michael Conway, 58, has announced his plans to retire, marking the end of a significant era for the coffee giant. Conway, who has been with Starbucks since 2013 and has held various key positions including overseeing the company’s expansion into grocery channels, will transition to an executive advisor role through the end of November.
Conway’s retirement comes as Starbucks embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of Brian Niccol, who officially assumed the CEO role last week. Niccol, previously the CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, is set to lead the company through a period of transformation as Starbucks seeks to address recent challenges and reestablish its market presence.
With Conway’s departure, Starbucks will be dissolving the role of North America CEO. The company plans to create a new chief brand officer position, which will oversee several critical areas including store concepts, product development, marketing, digital strategy, customer insights, and creative direction. The search for this new role is currently underway.
Sara Trilling, who serves as Starbucks’ North America President, will continue in her position and will report directly to Niccol.
Niccol, who has been vocal about the need for change, recently acknowledged that while Starbucks is widely cherished, it has become “drifted” from its core mission. He highlighted issues such as inconsistent product quality and a transactional atmosphere in its U.S. stores. Last quarter, Starbucks reported a 2% decline in same-store sales in the U.S., underscoring the need for strategic revitalization. The company aims to correct misconceptions about its brand in these regions.
Conway joined Starbucks during Howard Schultz’s second term as CEO and has since been instrumental in several major initiatives, including the launch of Starbucks products in grocery stores through partnerships like the Keurig K-Cups. He also serves on the board of McCormick & Company, a role he has held since 2015.
As Starbucks navigates these transitions, the company is poised to adapt its strategies to better align with its evolving vision and customer expectations.
