Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX) chief operating officer Troy Alstead – a 23-year veteran of the company – is taking an extended unpaid leave from the company. His last day in his current role will be March 1, 2015.

Alstead also served for many years as the company's chief financial officer, as well as leading the operations and development of Starbucks international business and its Europe, Middle East and Africa business unit.

Starbucks plans to announce additional details about the transition later this month.