CKE Restaurants has named Justin Falciola chief technology and growth officer, the company said Wednesday.
It's the first time the company has combined the two roles. The most recent CTO was Phil Crawford, who left in March according to his LinkedIn profile.
Falciola is responsible for aligning the business goals of CKE, which is parent company of the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s quick-service restaurant brands, with its information technology, digital strategy, and operations, while also upgrading its tech stack to improve loyalty programs and other digital interaction with customers.
He most recently was Papa Johns’ chief insights and technology officer, a position he had held at the pizza chain since 2018. Before that he worked in tech in the insurance and banking industries. He has a bachelor’s degree in information systems from Rutgers University.
“We are excited to welcome Justin to the organization,” CKE CEO Max Wetzel, who joined CKE from Papa John’s a little over year ago said in a press release announcing Falciola’s appointment. “As technology continues to shape and change the QSR industry, I am confident that his extensive record of success leading high-performing analytics, digital and IT teams will help both Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s enable digital growth.”
In the release, CKE said it would be further investing in technology including mobile ordering, delivery, and loyalty programs to improve the guest experience as well as restaurant operations
Falciola said he was looking forward to his new job.
“It is an exciting time to be joining CKE Restaurants,” he said. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to help Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s reach their unique business goals, evolve the team and guest experience through technology and ultimately grow these two iconic brands.”
There are around 1,000 Carl’s Jr. and 1,600 Hardee’s restaurants across the United States.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
