Starbucks Appoints Indian-Origin Anand Varadarajan as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer: Starbucks has appointed Indian-origin technology leader Anand Varadarajan as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective January 19. With nearly two decades of experience at Amazon, Varadarajan steps into the role following the retirement of Deb Hall Lefevre in September, marking a significant leadership transition for the global coffee giant.
Following Lefevre’s retirement, Starbucks initiated a comprehensive search for its next technology leader. As a result, the company selected Varadarajan to join its Executive Leadership Team, where he will lead the Starbucks Technology organization and report directly to the company’s chief executive. The appointment underscores Starbucks’ continued focus on innovation, digital transformation, and customer-centric technology.
Before joining Starbucks, Varadarajan spent close to 19 years at Amazon, where he built and scaled large, customer-first technology platforms. Most recently, he led technology and supply chain operations for Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores business, a role that required balancing speed, agility, and operational excellence across complex global systems. Earlier in his career, he also held software engineering roles at Oracle and worked with several startups, giving him a broad perspective across enterprise and entrepreneurial environments.
Importantly, Starbucks emphasized that Varadarajan brings more than technical expertise. He is known for creating reliable and secure systems, driving operational efficiency, and scaling solutions that keep customers at the center. At the same time, he places strong emphasis on developing and supporting technology teams, recognizing the people behind the platforms that power modern businesses.
Academically, Varadarajan has an impressive background. He earned his undergraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and holds two master’s degrees—one in civil engineering from Purdue University and another in computer science from the University of Washington. This multidisciplinary education has shaped his approach to building resilient and scalable technology systems.
Outside the workplace, Varadarajan is an avid runner with a personal goal of completing all seven World Marathon Majors. He is also a self-described coffee enthusiast, starting most mornings with a tall latte or brewed coffee, followed by Starbucks egg bites for lunch—an affinity that aligns naturally with his new role.
Meanwhile, Starbucks expressed gratitude to Ningyu Chen, who served as interim CTO and ensured continuity during the transition. The company also acknowledged Cathy Smith for providing oversight and support throughout the leadership change.
Looking ahead, Starbucks leaders expressed confidence that Varadarajan will build on ongoing initiatives and accelerate the company’s technology-driven efforts. Ultimately, his appointment reflects Starbucks’ commitment to delivering innovative, seamless experiences for both partners and customers worldwide.
