In December 2024, Kanika Soni, CEO of ChowNow, stepped into one of the most dynamic leadership roles in the food-tech industry. At a time when local restaurants face increasing challenges from third-party delivery giants, Soni’s appointment signals a fresh wave of innovation and empowerment for independent eateries. With over two decades of experience in consumer technology, digital transformation, and global e-commerce, her leadership embodies resilience, vision, and an unshakable belief in businesses that serve communities at their core.
Kanika Soni: From Delhi to the Global Stage
Kanika’s story begins at the University of Delhi, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She later pursued her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, one of the world’s top programs known for shaping global leaders. Her academic path laid the foundation for a career that would take her from India to the boardrooms of the most innovative companies in the world.
Her early years at McKinsey & Company sharpened her skills in strategy and problem-solving, giving her a strong consulting background that would prove essential as she stepped into high-pressure corporate roles. This combination of analytical rigor and entrepreneurial drive set her apart from her peers early on.
Building a Legacy in Consumer Technology
Before arriving at ChowNow, Kanika Soni left her mark on several iconic companies:
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Tripadvisor: As Chief Commercial Officer, she oversaw all B2B revenue streams, from hotels to restaurants, while leading a transformation grounded in product, content, and data. During the COVID-19 crisis, she helped rebuild the business after significant losses, steering Tripadvisor toward resilience and growth.
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The Walt Disney Company: At Disney, Soni led the global e-commerce division of the Consumer Products Division. Her leadership was nothing short of transformational, driving sustained double-digit growth. By modernizing the direct-to-consumer business, expanding product assortments, and introducing curated shopping experiences, she created a new model for how global brands connect with fans.
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Tesla and Gilt Groupe: Soni also held key leadership roles at Tesla Motors and Gilt Groupe, where she expanded her expertise in scaling high-growth businesses while keeping customer experience at the heart of strategy.
Each of these roles built upon her strengths: innovating under pressure, navigating disruption, and leading with a customer-first mindset.
Kanika Soni: Leading ChowNow into a New Era
When Kanika Soni, CEO of ChowNow, took on her current role, she joined a company already known for disrupting the food delivery space. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, ChowNow operates differently from delivery giants like Uber Eats or DoorDash. Instead of charging restaurants steep percentages per order, ChowNow runs on a subscription model. This allows independent restaurants to keep more of their hard-earned profits while also building direct relationships with their customers.
Kanika’s vision for ChowNow is not just about growth—it’s about empowerment. She is focused on:
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Helping Restaurants Thrive: By offering multi-product solutions, ChowNow enables restaurants to diversify revenue streams and drive operational efficiencies.
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Strengthening Customer Relationships: The platform allows restaurants to accept orders directly through their websites, apps, and social media, eliminating the need for middlemen.
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Driving Innovation in Food-Tech: Soni’s leadership emphasizes innovation, culture, and long-term sustainability for local eateries.
In her own words, “It’s an exciting time to join ChowNow as we work to launch solutions that help restaurant partners build direct relationships with diners, diversify their revenue, and drive efficiency.”
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