Starbucks has appointed Anand Varadarajan, a veteran of Amazon, as its new chief technology officer, effective January 19, 2026.
Starbucks announced on Friday that it has appointed Anand Varadarajan as its new chief technology officer (CTO). Varadarajan, who spent nearly 19 years at Amazon, most recently led technology and supply chain operations for the tech giant’s worldwide grocery stores business.
In a memo announcing the hiring, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol praised Varadarajan’s expertise, stating, “He knows how to create systems that are reliable and secure, drive operational excellence, and scale solutions that keep customers at the center. Just as important, he cares deeply about supporting and developing the people behind the scenes that build and enable the technology we use.”
Varadarajan will officially begin his role on January 19, 2026, and will also serve as executive vice president. He takes over from Deb Hall Lefevre, the former CTO, who departed in September amid a $1 billion restructuring plan that included a second round of layoffs.
With a strong educational background, Varadarajan is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University, as well as a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Washington.
During his tenure at Amazon, Varadarajan was recently elevated to oversee the worldwide grocery technology and supply chain organizations, which encompass both the company’s Fresh brand and Whole Foods. He reported directly to Jason Buechel, Amazon’s grocery chief and the CEO of Whole Foods.
At Amazon, Varadarajan was instrumental in implementing grocery technology innovations, including a pilot program that introduced mini robotic warehouses in Whole Foods supermarkets. This initiative enabled consumers to shop from both the in-store selection and products from Amazon’s broader inventory, which are not typically available at the organic grocer.
Starbucks is currently navigating a significant turnaround strategy under Niccol, who took over as CEO in September 2024. The company recently reported that its quarterly same-store sales returned to growth for the first time in nearly two years, according to CNBC. Additionally, holiday sales have shown strong performance this season, despite ongoing strikes by baristas.
A key component of Starbucks’ turnaround strategy is its hospitality platform, Green Apron Service, which represents the company’s largest investment in labor at $500 million. This program is designed to ensure proper staffing and enhance technology to maintain fast service times. It was developed in response to the growth in digital orders, which now account for more than 30% of sales, as well as feedback from baristas.
In a related development, Starbucks recently announced it would pay $35 million to more than 15,000 workers in New York City to settle claims that it denied them stable schedules and arbitrarily reduced their hours. This settlement comes amid a continuing strike by Starbucks’ union, which began last month in various locations across the U.S. This marks the third strike to impact the chain since the union was established four years ago.
As Starbucks moves forward with its strategic initiatives, Varadarajan’s extensive experience in technology and supply chain management is expected to play a crucial role in the company’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
According to CNBC, the company is focused on leveraging technology to improve service and address the challenges posed by labor disputes.