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Starbucks Chief Operating Officer John Culver is leaving the company after two decades with the coffee chain, as part of a restructuring that will eliminate his role.

His exit comes in the middle of a broader executive reshuffling at Starbucks. Former CEO Kevin Johnson retired earlier this year, leading Howard Schultz to return to the helm of the firm as interim chief executive until a long-term successor is named.

Effective Oct. 3, Culver will step down from his current role and become an executive advisor until he leaves the firm at the end of the year.

Starbucks said it would be eliminating the role of the chief operating officer, with many of Culver’s direct reports being managed by Schultz. Frank Britt, the coffee chain’s chief strategy and transformation officer, will supervise the rest, including the global supply chain and technology divisions.

“As we speak to the external candidates in consideration for the ceo position, we’ve shared the Reinvention Plan and our aspirations for the future,” Schultz wrote in his letter to employees on Thursday addressing Culver’s departure. “The candidates are extremely excited and positive, and each is pleased to see we are investing ahead of the growth curve, and reimagining the partner, customer and store experience.”

Starbucks has used its chief operating officer role as a training ground for future chief executives, and Culver was seen as a potential candidate for the top job. However, Schultz said in June that the company is looking externally for a new chief executive, who is expected to be announced in the fall.

“Given the moment we find ourselves in with our Reinvention underway, this is the right decision as we chart the course and the future path for Starbucks,” Culver wrote in a letter to employees on Thursday.