Sushant Goel

Sushant Goel is the co-founder and former chief executive of Third Wave Coffee who now serves on its board.

Journey

Goel completed a double major in chemical engineering and economics at Northwestern University. He declined a consulting offer and returned to India, where he started Clustr, a data-analytics product for small businesses. That earlier venture gave him experience building and selling to Indian customers before he entered consumer retail.

Goel founded Third Wave Coffee with Ayush Bathwal and Anirudh Sharma. He led the company as CEO while it grew from a Bengaluru café and roastery into a national chain. In 2024 Rajat Luthra was appointed CEO and Goel transitioned to the board, making the supplied CEO title outdated.

Working approach

Goel combined analytical training with an experience-led consumer proposition. The leadership transition suggests recognition that a rapidly expanding store network may require executives with large-format food-service experience.

Assessment

He helped build the company and raise the capital for expansion. His current responsibility is governance and strategic direction, while store execution and operating results belong to the professional management team.