The CEO of Starbucks North America is stepping down and will not be replaced

Starbucks (SBUX) says it has no plans to replace its North American chief executive Michael Conway, who announced his retirement from the coffee chain after serving just eight months in the role.

Conway, who has been with the company for a total of 11 years, announced his intention to retire at the end of November on Sept. 12, according to the company’s most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Instead of looking for Conway’s replacement, Starbucks said Sara Trilling, president of the company’s North American division, will lead its operations in the region. Trilling has been with Starbucks since 2002 and previously served as senior vice president of the northern division, where he oversaw 3,500 stores, according to the filing. Wall Street Journal.

It comes as new Starbucks chief executive Brian Niccol has joined the coffee giant. this monthrevealed his plans get the brand back on track, in part, by putting more emphasis on the chain’s U.S. operations. Trilling will report directly to Niccol.

Following Conway’s retirement, the company will move to shed the North American CEO role and create a chief brand officer position, for which the company is actively recruiting. That hire will oversee various store concepts, marketing, product development, products, digital and customer insights and its creative unit.

The coffee chain’s decision to change its executive structure is effective in increasing long-term profitability and strategic decision-making, according to the Wall Street Journal (NWS).

Starbucks has faced declining sales over the past year, which was largely driven by lower demand for its high-priced drinks, as well as publicly boycott for his stance on the Israel-Hamas war.