Subway on Monday named Donagh Herlihy its new global chief digital and information officer.
The Milford, Conn.-based sandwich giant said he is tasked with overseeing the company’s global technology teams.
He has more than 20 years of experience in digital and ecommerce in the food, retail and restaurant industries, including Outback Steakhouse owner Bloomin’ Brands along with Avon Products and the Wrigley Co.
John Chidsey, Subway’s CEO, said Herlihy’s “extensive knowledge and understanding of QSR brands and restaurant technology will allow us to accelerate our digital transformation, ultimately resulting in a better guest experience as well as revenue growth and operating efficiency for our franchisees.”
Yet Herlihy’s task will not be easy. Subway is a giant restaurant chain with 22,000 U.S. locations and 37,500 globally.
Digital sales have become a vital means for restaurants to get customers, both through mobile apps and delivery partnerships.
Yet Subway’s large number of small-scale operators, many of whom are struggling to generate profits, make it more difficult for the company to implement a number of digital strategies.
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