Tata Starbucks has appointed Mitali Maheshwari as its new head of product and marketing for India.

Maheshwari brings more than a decade of expertise in brand management and marketing to her new role, in which she will lead product innovation and marketing initiatives.

Commenting on the appointment, Tata Starbucks chief operating officer Adrit Mishra stated: "As we continue building the category in India and extending our coffee leadership to deliver the signature Starbucks Experience to consumers, we are excited for Mitali to expound upon our product and marketing plans."

Mishra further emphasised the strategic importance of Maheshwari's role: "With Mitali on board, we are also looking forward to enabling strategic product innovation that brings forth the best of global and local tastes for consumers in a manner that is familiar to them. Mitali's dedication to her craft, coupled with her strategic mindset and innovative approach, makes her an invaluable addition to our team.”

Maheshwari said: "As a coffee enthusiast myself, I am looking forward to joining Starbucks India, a brand that has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s vibrant coffee landscape over the past decade. I am humbled and excited to build on the brand’s marketing plans to drive continued growth, while delivering the distinct Starbucks experience to consumers across the country.”

Maheshwari's previous role as national brand marketing manager at Red Bull India provided her with significant experience in enhancing brand presence and consumer engagement. Her strategic insights are expected to contribute to exceptional experiences for coffee lovers in India.

Tata Starbucks recently inaugurated its first Mumbai metro store at the Western Express Highway (WEH) metro station, targeting consumers on the move.

In early 2024, The HinduBusinessLine reported that a ten-year 50:50 joint venture between Starbucks and Tata would enable expansion from the current 390 stores across 54 Indian cities to 1,000 stores by 2028.