Third Wave Coffee Brews Up Leadership Change

Third Wave Coffee, a leading name in India’s fast-casual coffee scene, has shaken up its leadership team. Rajat Luthra takes the reins as CEO starting from the first quarter of the next fiscal year (FY 24-25). Sushant Goel, the current CEO, will be stepping aside but staying involved as a board member, offering guidance for the brand’s continued ascent. Luthra’s extensive experience in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry positions Third Wave Coffee for a new chapter of expansion and triumph.

Steering the Ship: From Founder to Board Member

Sushant Goel, who co-founded Third Wave Coffee and served as its CEO, commented on the transition.“It’s been a privilege to guide the company through its early stages,” he expressed. “I’m immensely pleased with our collective achievements.” The company is ready for the next stage of its expansion. Now, as I move to the board, I’m thrilled to keep contributing to our vision and progress from a fresh perspective. Rajat’s a QSR veteran, and I’m brimming with optimism for what lies ahead under his leadership.”

A Seasoned Leader Takes the Helm

Rajat Luthra, the incoming CEO, boasts a decorated career. As the former CEO of KFC India and Nepal, he was instrumental in driving their growth and operational excellence. With nearly 30 years under his belt in the consumer goods and QSR sectors, Luthra is well-equipped to steer Third Wave Coffee towards its upcoming milestones.

Investors Raise a Toast to the Transition

Representatives from Westbridge Capital and Creaegis, Third Wave Coffee’s investors, expressed their appreciation to Sushant Goel for his leadership and vision. They acknowledged his pivotal role in shaping the company’s journey thus far. They also extended a warm welcome to Rajat Luthra, confident in his ability to navigate the company towards continued success.

From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition

Since its inception, Third Wave Coffee has experienced rapid growth, solidifying its position as a leading coffee brand in India. With over 100 stores across 8 cities nationwide, the company is a force to be reckoned with.Investor trust in the brand’s potential and strategic direction is further emphasized by their recent $35 million Series C fundraising round. With a robust leadership team in place, Third Wave Coffee is poised to seize new opportunities and solidify its dominance in the competitive coffee retail market.