Dutch Bros taps Lululemon exec as new technology leader
Amid its planned expansion, Dutch Bros Inc. has added a retail veteran to its C-suite.
The Oregon-based drive-thru coffee chain said that Venki Krishnababu has joined the company as chief technology and information officer, effective Dec.16. He brings nearly 30 years of experience leading “transformational, enterprise-shaping strategies with a proven track record of creating business value through technology, innovation and partnerships,” according to Dutch Bros.
Krishnababu joins Dutch Bros from Lululemon Athletica, where he spent eight years, most recently as chief technology officer, from December 2022 to December 2024. He joined the company in 2018, as senior VP, global technology services.
Prior to Lululemon, Krishnababu was chief technology officer at Premera Blue Cross . Before that, he spent 16 years in various leadership roles at Nordstrom, including senior director of technology.
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“Venki has deep experience leading technology strategies across multiple functions, including data and analytics, cybersecurity and digital transformations,” said Christine Barone, CEO and president of Dutch Bros. “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 joins the coffee chain as it continues to grow its footprint across the U.S. On its most recent earnings call, Dutch Bros said it expects to accelerate shop openings in 2025 to at least 160 shops and further accelerate openings in 2026. The company has said it plans to operate over 4,000 shops in the next 10 to 15 years.
“Dutch Bros is one of the most innovative rapidly growing coffee chains, known for its friendly service, delicious drinks and vibrant atmosphere,” said Krishnababu. “What truly sets Dutch Bros apart from other coffee chains is its people-centric culture. 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. I am excited and look forward to working with Dutch Bros, to serve our customers, teams, and business.”
As of Sept. 30, 2024, Dutch Bros operated more than 950 locations across 18 states.
