CTO John Elliott talks people power as he announces Starbucks exit and preps for new career chapter
John Elliott has announced his departure from Starbucks where he has spent the past couple of years, most recently serving as EMEA Vice President for Technology and Supply Chain & Global Vice President for Licensed Technology.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "Today (Friday 3rd July) marks my last day at Starbucks as I prepare for an exciting new chapter later this month. For all the conversations about strategy, technology and transformation, it’s always the people who make the difference and I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptional partners in technology, supply chain and across the wider business, supporting markets throughout EMEA and beyond. Together we’ve helped deliver meaningful change."
He added: "I’d also like to thank our licensees and supplier partners. So much of what makes Starbucks successful happens through collaboration and I’ve been fortunate to work with people who care deeply about delivering for our customers every day. And most importantly, thank you to our green apron partners. You create the moments our customers remember and represent the very best of the Starbucks brand every single day."
Elliott concluded: "I leave with great confidence in the Back to Starbucks strategy and the talented teams across EMEA who are bringing it to life every day. The future is in very capable hands. To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. I leave with wonderful memories, friendships and enormous respect for the people who make Starbucks what it is."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Supply chain technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
