Starbucks Corporation has announced the appointment of Pilar Ramos as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, effective mid-November. Ramos will succeed Brad Lerman, who has served in the role since May 2023 and is set to depart in the coming weeks. ([about.starbucks.com](https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/message-from-brian-thank-you-brad-lerman-and-welcome-pilar-ramos/?utm_source=openai))
Ramos brings extensive experience to Starbucks, having most recently served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at TelevisaUnivision. In that capacity, she led the company’s law, government affairs, and compliance functions. Prior to her tenure at TelevisaUnivision, Ramos held several senior positions at Mastercard, including Executive Vice President and General Counsel for North America, the company’s largest business unit. ([about.starbucks.com](https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/message-from-brian-thank-you-brad-lerman-and-welcome-pilar-ramos/?utm_source=openai))
In a message to employees, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol highlighted Ramos’s qualifications, stating, “Pilar is a trusted advisor and distinguished team leader who brings deep corporate and global experience across several industries.” He also noted that she will provide counsel on a wide range of strategic and operational matters as the company executes its “Back to Starbucks” plan. ([about.starbucks.com](https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/message-from-brian-thank-you-brad-lerman-and-welcome-pilar-ramos/?utm_source=openai))
Ramos is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania and is actively involved in several organizations, including 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. ([about.starbucks.com](https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/message-from-brian-thank-you-brad-lerman-and-welcome-pilar-ramos/?utm_source=openai))
Outgoing Chief Legal Officer Brad Lerman joined Starbucks in May 2023, bringing over three decades of legal and regulatory experience. Prior to Starbucks, Lerman served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Medtronic, where he led the global legal function, government affairs, and the office of ethics and compliance. ([about.starbucks.com](https://about.starbucks.com/press/2023/starbucks-appoints-brad-lerman-as-executive-vice-president-and-general-counsel/?utm_source=openai))
Niccol expressed gratitude for Lerman’s contributions, stating, “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.” ([about.starbucks.com](https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/message-from-brian-thank-you-brad-lerman-and-welcome-pilar-ramos/?utm_source=openai))
Ramos is expected to begin her in-store immersion in Miami later this month before transitioning to Seattle in early November. She is known to enjoy her daily grande cappuccino and is looking forward to exploring the city and surrounding areas. ([about.starbucks.com](https://about.starbucks.com/press/2025/message-from-brian-thank-you-brad-lerman-and-welcome-pilar-ramos/?utm_source=openai))