Starbucks announced that Rossann Williams, one of their most prominent figures and head for the North American market, will be leaving the company this Tuesday. The news came from Starbucks themselves in a statement on Friday, continuing the trend of executives resigning this year.
The company also revealed that Sara Trilling will be replacing Rossann Williams as of this week. She’s been with Starbucks in the Asia Pacific market for two decades and her experience will make an impact with the company in coming years.
Read also: Tensions Rise at Amazon’s First Unionized Warehouse Within the United States
Starbucks has seen a string of executives depart in recent months, including the long-standing CEO. Kevin Johnson stepped down from his post early this year and Howard Schultz resumed acting as interim leader while he awaits potential successors to be found by its board members who are looking for someone trustworthy enough to take over permanently.
In the months under his leadership, Schultz has committed $1 billion to raise wages for all employees and hit brakes on the stock buyback program. He was also vocal against union efforts.
John Culver, Chief Operating Officer of Starbucks broke the news to employees that Rossann Williams would be resigning in a letter sent out last week.
“As we embark on the next chapter, we have made a difficult but necessary change to our North America business; a change that creates new leadership for a new era at Starbucks,” the letter wrote. “The decision was not taken lightly and was once preceded by discussion about a next opportunity for Rossann within the company, which she declined.”
Rosann Williams is no stranger to Starbucks. She’s been with the company since 2004, and worked in various positions, including ones at Toys ‘R Us and Blockbuster during her early career.
Although she has also been vocally against unions, Starbucks has seen over 150 cafes in the United States voting to unionize.
Kevin Johnson’s departure from Starbucks and comments by Howard Schultz indicated that major change was coming to the company. The interim CEO suggested one of the company’s primary problems is an inability to meet customer demand for customizing drinks through multiple channels, something that could greatly benefit the company. Additionally, Schultz has suggested bringing in an outside leadership, which could bring about a comprehensive overhaul.
Read also: Update on America’s Burger Chains Amid the Inflation
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.
