Starbucks Brewmaster Brian Niccol Enlists Taco Bell Veterans for Retail Revival
Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) has appointed former Taco Bell (YUM) executives Mike Grams and Meredith Sandland to bolster its retail operations. Grams will oversee store performance and retail teams, while Sandland will spearhead store development strategy and design.
The move aligns with CEO Brian Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" plan to enhance accountability and ownership within the retail team. Grams and Sandland's experience at Taco Bell is expected to infuse the coffee giant with a fresh perspective and innovative approaches.
Meanwhile, Sara Trilling, former President of Starbucks North America, and Arthur Valdez, former Chief Supply and Customer Solutions Officer, have announced their departure from the company. Valdez's departure is particularly significant, as he had recently overseen the integration of the customer solutions team.
Analysts project a decline in Starbucks' first-quarter fiscal 2025 results due to a combination of lower foot traffic and ticket growth. However, the stock has shown resilience in recent months, rising 32% since Niccol's appointment as CEO.
Starbucks' latest executive appointments and operational changes underscore its commitment to revitalizing its retail business and regaining its competitive edge in the fast-paced coffee market.