Starbucks has announced leadership changes, bringing in two former Taco Bell executives as part of its "Back to Starbucks" plan.

Sara Trilling, executive vice president and president of Starbucks North America, and Arthur Valdez, EVP and chief supply chain officer, are departing.

Trilling’s role will be split into two: North America chief stores officer and chief store development officer. Valdez supported integrating the customer solutions team with store operations but chose to step down from the position. Trilling and Valdez have both agreed to assist with the transition in the coming months.

The new appointments include Mike Grams as EVP of North America chief stores officer, and Meredith Sandland as EVP of chief store development officer. Grams, a former Taco Bell president and COO, will oversee retail teams and store performance. Starbucks will soon announce a new chief supply chain officer to replace Valdez.

Prior joining Starbucks, Grams spent over 30 years at Taco Bell, starting as a restaurant general manager in 1992 and eventually rising to the position of the chain’s president and global chief operating officer in 2020.

Currently, Sandland is the CEO of Empower Delivery, a restaurant software company. She previously held the role of chief development officer at Taco Bell.

Both Grams and Sandland are joining Starbucks this month.

Brian Niccol said: "I understand this is a lot of change...I’m grateful to Sara and Arthur for the contributions they have made, and I’m excited to welcome new leaders to our team as we get 'Back to Starbucks'."

In an open letter last month, Niccol confirmed that the company would be reducing the headcount of its support team.