Starbucks CTO Resigns Amid Ongoing Tech Revamp

Starbucks CTO Resigns Amid Ongoing Tech Revamp

Retail & Consumer | September 26, 2025

Seattle, WA Starbucks’ Chief Technology Officer Deb Hall Lefevre has resigned, leaving the coffee giant without a permanent technology leader at a time when the company is undergoing a sweeping digital overhaul.

The news was shared in an internal memo to corporate staff on Monday, according to a copy of the communication reviewed by Reuters. Starbucks confirmed the departure but declined to provide additional details about Lefevre’s decision to step down.

Leadership Gap in a Critical Transition

Lefevre, who joined Starbucks in 2022 after senior roles at McDonald’s and Target, played a central role in the company’s digital growth strategy, including mobile ordering, loyalty rewards, and AI-driven personalization.

Her exit comes as Starbucks is investing heavily in its tech-driven customer experience, including revamping its app, streamlining drive-thru operations, and expanding automation in stores. With no permanent successor immediately named, an interim leader will oversee the technology team until a replacement is appointed.

Tech at the Heart of Starbucks’ Strategy

Digital engagement has become a cornerstone of Starbucks’ business. Its loyalty program now accounts for more than half of U.S. sales, and the company has been experimenting with generative AI tools for personalized promotions and improved supply chain management.

Industry analysts say losing a senior technology leader in the middle of such a transformation could create uncertainty. “Technology is no longer just a support function for Starbucks, it’s central to how they compete,” said Sarah Kendall, a retail consultant. “This leadership gap could slow momentum unless they act quickly.”

A Broader Wave of Turnover

Lefevre’s resignation adds to recent executive churn at Starbucks. The company brought in CEO Laxman Narasimhan in 2023 with a mandate to modernize operations and strengthen global growth. Several top executives have rotated out since then, reflecting what insiders describe as a “reshaping” of the company’s leadership culture.

Looking Ahead

Starbucks did not give a timeline for naming a new CTO. In the memo, Narasimhan thanked Lefevre for her contributions and reassured employees that the company’s technology modernization plan would continue “without disruption.”

For a company balancing tradition with innovation, Starbucks now faces the challenge of finding a new technology leader who can deliver on both.