Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol announces corporate layoffs [Video]

SEATTLE — Starbucks said Friday, Jan. 17, it plans an unspecified number of layoffs as it restructures its corporate staff.

In a letter to employees, Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said the Seattle coffee giant needs to ensure all work has a clear and accountable owner who can make decisions. The company also needs to reduce complexity and silos.

“Our size and structure can slow us down, with too many layers, managers of small teams and roles focused primarily on coordinating work,” Niccol wrote.

The layoffs won’t impact baristas in Starbucks’ stores. Niccol said decisions will be communicated by early March.

“I do not take these decisions lightly, and I appreciate that this will create uncertainty and concern between now and then,” Niccol wrote. “I wanted to be transparent about our progress and …