Starbucks’ North American CEO is stepping down in November without a replacement

He will remain with the company to help with the leadership transition until his retirement on Nov. 30, ending 11 years at Starbucks, according to the company.

Instead of replacing Conway, the company announced that Sara Trilling, Starbucks’ president of North America, will lead retail operations across the region.

Trilling served the company for 22 years and previously served as senior vice president of the northern division, where he oversaw 3,500 stores, at Starbucks.

The company’s decision to simplify its management structure is aimed at increasing efficiency in decision-making, Starbucks told the Wall Street Journal on Monday.

Conway’s departure comes shortly after another significant change in the company’s leadership, when Brian Niccol, the former CEO of Chipotle, officially took over as Starbucks’ new chief executive last week.

While Niccol’s arrival marks a significant change in the company’s leadership, Starbucks was no stranger to a revolving door of top executives, Deutsche Bank analyst Lauren Silberman wrote in August. Other recent departures included former COOs John Culver and Roz Brewer, who left Starbucks in 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Operational problems have plagued Starbucks at its North American stores as increasingly complex drink orders, rising prices and fluctuating foot traffic have strained staff and hurt profitability. The company also faced public criticism from former CEO Howard Schultz and pressure from public boycotts.

Niccol already plans to transform the company’s operations and focus on the customer experience, he said in a note about his plans last week.

Starbucks did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider after business hours.