Vikram Badhwar Appointed to Lead Starbucks Global Technology Operations

Badhwar transitions into this newly created role after spending three years at Starbucks, where he most recently served as Director of International Data & Retail. His remit now expands to include oversight of North American licensed businesses and corporate partnerships. He described the appointment as a chance to drive innovation during a period of industry-wide transformation, focusing on simplifying systems to enhance customer and partner experiences.

His appointment coincides with the departure of John Elliott, who served as EMEA Vice President for Technology and Supply Chain. Elliott, who concluded his tenure on July 3, spent his final years steering technology strategy for licensed operations and supporting the company’s broader 'Back to Starbucks' initiative. While Elliott transitions to a new chapter, he emphasized that the company’s ongoing transformation relies heavily on the collaboration between corporate leadership and field-based employees.