Starbucks Elevates Mike Grams to COO in Leadership Restructuring to Drive Performance
June 08 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
Starbucks Corporation announced the promotion of Mike Grams to Chief Operating Officer (COO), reinstating a key leadership role as part of a broader organizational shakeup aimed at revitalizing performance. Grams, previously serving as Executive Vice President and Head of North America Cafés, will now oversee global coffeehouse operations and supply chain management.
The move comes as CEO Brian Niccol seeks to streamline operations and refocus the company on its core coffeehouse experience. “While our performance isn’t yet where we want it to be,” Niccol stated, “these changes will enhance leadership accountability, improve cross-team collaboration, and accelerate execution.”
Grams’ base salary will increase from $700,000 to $900,000 annually, with his annual incentive bonus target rising from 100% to 125% of his base pay. The promotion follows a series of leadership adjustments under Niccol, who took the helm last year with a mandate to return Starbucks to its café roots.
Key initiatives under Niccol’s strategy include simplifying menus, reintroducing ceramic cups, refills, and condiment bars, and reducing order wait times to under four minutes. The company has also scaled back promotions to shift focus toward broader customer engagement beyond loyalty programs.
The COO appointment marks the latest in a wave of executive moves. In March 2025, Starbucks hired retail veteran Cathy Smith as CFO, following the January 2025 departures of North America President Sara Trilling and Chief Supply Chain Officer Arthur Valdez. Grams had previously assumed Trilling’s responsibilities as Chief Coffeehouse Officer before his latest promotion.
Additionally, Starbucks announced that Chief Legal Officer Brad Lerman will step down upon the appointment of a successor. Until then, he remains in his role under standard transition terms.
With nearly 30 years at Taco Bell—including roles as President, COO, and Chief Development Officer—Grams brings deep expertise in global operations and retail scaling. Since joining Starbucks in February 2025, he has played a pivotal role in refining North American strategy and is now positioned to drive international growth.
The restructuring underscores Starbucks’ push for operational cohesion as it navigates evolving consumer demands and competitive pressures.