Starbucks Appoints Anand Varadarajan, Amazon Veteran, as Chief Technology Officer

In order to head its global IT operations, Starbucks has named Anand Varadarajan, a technology expert of Indian descent, as its new executive vice president and chief technology officer (CTO). Varadarajan has worked for Amazon for almost two decades. According to Starbucks, Varadarajan will assume leadership on January 19, become a member of the Executive Leadership Team, and answer directly to CEO Brian Niccol.

Deb Hall Lefevre, who retired in September, is his successor. Varadarajan built large-scale, customer-focused technology systems at Amazon for nearly 19 years. Most recently, he oversaw supply chain and technology for the company's Worldwide Grocery Stores division. He was formerly employed by Oracle and a number of startups as a software engineer.

Why Starbucks Chosen Varadarajan?

According to Starbucks, Varadarajan has extensive experience creating dependable, safe systems and expanding technology to enhance operational excellence while putting consumers first. Varadarajan is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with master's degrees in computer science from the University of Washington and civil engineering from Purdue University. According to Starbucks, Varadarajan's hiring is anticipated to boost digital capabilities throughout its international operations and expedite its technology projects.

Tussle Raking Up Among Starbucks and its Employees

According to Newsweek, employees are attempting to intensify the barista strike by obstructing the company's Seattle headquarters. Since November, Starbucks workers at 65 outlets in 40 cities in the US have been on an open-ended strike. This occurred against the backdrop of Red Cup Day, a yearly celebration where Starbucks gives away free reusable red cups.

Employees advocated for increased personnel and compensation. Additionally, they insisted that the business settle hundreds of accusations of unfair work practices. According to Benzinga Pro statistics, the shares of the biggest coffee chain in the world have dropped 4.2% so far this year, but revenue trends have started to recover. Numerous outlets have already been closed as part of the company's two rounds of widespread layoffs.