Sponsored By

Dutch Bros names Venki Krishnababu technology chiefDutch Bros names Venki Krishnababu technology chief

The drive-thru beverage brand appoints retail veteran as chief technology and information officer

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

December 17, 2024

1 Min Read
Dutch Bros exterior
Dutch Bros has named Venki Krishnababu as the drive-thru beverage concept’s new chief technology and information officer.Dutch Bros Inc.

Dutch Bros Inc., the quick-service beverage brand, has named Venki Krishnababu as the drive-thru beverage concept’s new chief technology and information officer, the company said Tuesday.

The Grants Pass, Ore.-based company said Krishnababu brings nearly 30 years of experience to the role.

“Venki has deep experience leading technology strategies across multiple functions, including data and analytics, cybersecurity, and digital transformations,” Christine Barone, CEO and president of Dutch Bros, said in a statement. “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.”

Krishnababu assumed the role on Monday. Prior to joining Dutch Bros, he served as retailer Lululemon Athletica Inc.’s chief technology officer. Previously, Krishnababu was chief technology officer at the not-for-profit healthcare company Premera Blue Cross and in various leadership roles over 16 years at retailer Nordstrom.

“What truly sets Dutch Bros apart from other coffee chains is its people-centric culture,” Krishnababu said. “Technology is such a critical component in delivering great customer experiences, building community, helping our ‘broistas’ and scale the enterprise to the future.”

Related:Dutch Bros continues unit growth, tests food sales

Dutch Bros, founded in 1992, more than 950 locations in 18 states.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on X/Twitter: @RonRuggless

Read more about:

Dutch Bros Coffee

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

Subscribe Nation's Restaurant News Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.

You May Also Like