simplify

The retailer said the move, which would affect less than 10% of its total number of staff, would enable it to "simplify structures" amid a challenging market.

"As part of this process, we are redefining roles and accountabilities to remove duplication and simplify structures," he said.

“I just find ways to make the game easier for our younger guys, try to simplify it, help them think less, help them be in a position where they can be the best in,” Russel said.

"While this decision was made prior to Brian Niccol taking the role of CEO, the decision to remove the beverages aligns with his strategy to simplify our menu," a Starbucks spokesperson told the BBC.

Last week, he promised to simplify what he described as an "overly complex menu".