Starbucks India has announced the appointment of Rahul Khona as its Chief Technology Officer, marking his return to the company after a previous stint from 2013 to 2018.
Khona had earlier served as Chief Information Officer and Head of Digital Innovation at Starbucks India, where he played a key role in strengthening the brand’s technology and digital capabilities. His return signals a renewed focus on accelerating digital transformation and enhancing customer experience through technology.
Khona shared the update via a LinkedIn post, calling the move a “full circle” moment. With over 21 years of experience in technology leadership, he brings deep expertise in driving large-scale digital initiatives across industries.
Prior to rejoining Starbucks India, Khona was serving as Director of Technology (CIO) at Tim Hortons, overseeing technology operations across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Over the course of his career, he has worked with several leading organisations such as Nexus Malls, Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, Reliance Brands Limited, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, and Reliance Communications.
In his new role, Khona is expected to lead Starbucks India’s technology strategy, focusing on innovation, digital integration, and building scalable platforms to support the company’s growth in the market.