Starbucks Welcomes Anand Varadarajan as New CTO

Post by : Raina Carter

In a significant leadership shift, Starbucks has named Anand Varadarajan, a technology expert of Indian descent, as their new Chief Technology Officer.

Varadarajan will step into his role on January 19 and will be part of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the CEO. He succeeds the previous technology head who retired in September.

With nearly two decades at Amazon, Varadarajan has robust experience in the tech arena, developing large-scale systems that serve millions. Most recently, he focused on technology and supply chain systems for Amazon's global grocery division.

Prior to his time at Amazon, he began his career as a software engineer at Oracle and gained valuable experience building tech solutions at several startups.

Starbucks emphasized Varadarajan's expertise in crafting secure digital systems. His background is expected to enhance operational efficiency and expedite customer service across global platforms.

Anand Varadarajan holds degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), as well as master's degrees in civil engineering from Purdue University and computer science from the University of Washington.

Starbucks anticipates that Varadarajan's leadership will fast-track their digital initiatives, strengthening global technology systems. With a focus on digital tools and customer experience, his role is seen as pivotal for the company's future.

By appointing Anand Varadarajan as CTO, Starbucks aims to enhance its technological capabilities while continuing to prioritize customer-centric strategies.

Dec. 22, 2025 12:41 p.m. 323

Global News