Rahul Khona has rejoined Starbucks India as Chief Technology Officer, returning to a company where he previously led key technology and digital innovation initiatives.
Khona was earlier associated with Starbucks India between 2013 and 2018, serving as Chief Information Officer and Head of Digital Innovation. Sharing the update on LinkedIn, he described the move as “full circle” reflecting on his return to the coffee chain after several years.
Prior to this appointment, Khona served as Director of Technology and CIO for Tim Hortons, overseeing technology functions across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has built extensive experience in digital transformation, enterprise technology, and customer-focused innovation.
His professional journey includes leadership roles at organizations such as Nexus Malls, Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, Reliance Brands Limited, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, and Reliance Communications, giving him exposure across retail, food service, technology, and telecom sectors.
Khona’s return comes as brands in the consumer and retail space continue to strengthen their focus on technology-enabled customer engagement, digital ecosystems, and operational efficiency. Having previously contributed to Starbucks India’s digital initiatives, he now returns with added regional and cross-industry experience gained through leadership roles in the quick-service restaurant and retail landscape.
As CTO, Khona is expected to lead the company’s technology strategy, with emphasis on digital platforms, loyalty ecosystems, operational modernization, and data-driven consumer experiences aimed at supporting the brand’s continued growth in India.
His appointment highlights Starbucks India’s continued investment in technology leadership while bringing back an executive already familiar with the company’s digital evolution and business environment.
