Venki Krishnababu brings a wealth of data, analytics and cyber security experience from senior roles at Lululemon and Nordstrom and will be responsible for strengthening the drive-thru coffee chain’s mobile ordering capabilities and app registrations
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Dutch Bros’ Chief Technology and Information Officer Venki Krishnababu | Photo credit: LinkedIn
US drive-thru coffee chain Dutch Bros has appointed former Lululemon executive Venki Krishnababu as its new Chief Technology and Information Officer.
Krishnababu brings nearly 30 years’ experience to the role having held senior digital leadership positions at US non-profit healthcare insurance provider Premera Blue Cross, luxury department store chain Nordstrom and, most recently, Canadian athletic apparel retailer Lululemon.
“Venki has deep experience leading technology strategies across multiple functions, including data and analytics, cyber security and digital transformations. Above all, though, Venki is known for his people-centric leadership, which aligns perfectly with Dutch Bros culture. His leadership will be key as we continue to invest in technology to enhance our customer experience,” said Christine Barone, CEO, Dutch Bros.
Krishnababu succeeds Leigh Gower, who joined Dutch Bros as the company’s first Chief Technology Officer in December 2021.
His appointment comes as Dutch Bros seeks to complete the roll-out of mobile ordering across its 950 stores. The Oregon-based business began testing mobile ordering across its Arizona stores in February 2024 and expanded the service to 858 outlets in its third quarter of 2024.
“Technology is such a critical component in delivering great customer experiences, building community, helping our Broistas and scale the enterprise to the future. My perennial focus will be to position technology as a strategic enabler of the company while embodying Dutch Bros’ people-first culture,” Krishnababu added.
Founded in 1992, Dutch Bros is one of the fastest-growing branded coffee chains in the US with a presence across 18 states.
The drive-thru coffee chain has bolstered its management team over the last year as it closes in on 1,000 stores and pursues a longer-term goal of operating 3,000 US outlets.
In January 2024, Dutch Bros appointed former Starbucks finance executive Sumitro Ghosh and ex-Tata Starbucks CEO Joshua Guenser as President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer respectively. The coffee chain then added Red Robin Gourmet Burgers CEO G.J. Hart and former Wendy’s CEO Todd Penegor to its Board of Directors in June 2024.
Dutch Bros generated $851.6m revenue across the first nine months of 2024 – 35% higher than the same period last year. In November 2024, the operator raised its full-year sales outlook to $1.26bn, up from a previous forecast of $1.2bn.