Starbucks chairman and chief executive officer, Brian Niccol, shared the following message with Starbucks partners (employees):

Partners,  

In June, I shared with you that Brad Lerman, evp, chief legal officer, will be leaving Starbucks. Since joining the company in 2023, Brad has had a meaningful impact. He’s significantly strengthened our global legal and compliance function, and provided steady, thoughtful counsel on important issues. I want to extend my thanks to Brad for his many contributions to Starbucks and his continued leadership throughout the search for his successor.   

I’m pleased to share with you that we have selected Pilar Ramos to serve as executive vice president, chief legal officer. Pilar will join the Executive Leadership Team and also serve as an advisor to the Board of Directors. She’ll provide advice on a wide range of strategic and operational matters, as she partners with us to execute the Back to Starbucks plan. Brad will remain in role for the next few weeks to ensure continuity as Pilar begins her onboarding. We expect the transition to be completed by mid-November. 

Pilar is a trusted advisor and distinguished team leader who brings deep corporate and global experience across several industries. She comes to us from TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish-language media company, where she serves as EVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, leading the Law, Government Affairs and Compliance functions. She previously held several senior positions at Mastercard, most recently as EVP & General Counsel, North America – the company’s largest business unit.    

An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Pilar is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York. She also serves on the Boards of LatinoJustice, The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute.   

Pilar will begin her in-store immersion in Miami later this month, before joining us in Seattle in early November. She is known to enjoy her daily grande cappuccino and is excited to explore the city and surrounding areas.  

Please join me in thanking Brad for his important contributions and welcoming Pilar to Starbucks. 

On we go, 
Brian