Starbucks vet to head up technology at Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen is adding a technology veteran to its C-suite.

The fast-casual restaurant chain which specializes in healthy eating appointed Wouleta Ayele as chief technology officer, effective August 17. She joins Sweetgreen following a 16-year career at Starbucks, where she most recently served as senior VP, technology services.

Prior to joining Starbucks in 2005, Ayele had 18 years of experience in technology working for several global companies, including Coca-Cola Company, Hyundai, Attachmate Corporation and Ciba-Geigy.

At Sweetgreen, Ayele will be responsible for leading the company’s technology teams, allowing them to scale their supply chain model, advance restaurant operations, acquire new talent and develop their digital platforms.

“As we continue to scale and think about what the future of fast food will look like, the technology powering Sweetgreen plays an integral part in creating efficiencies and providing our guests with the best experience possible,” said Sweetgreen co-founder and CEO Jonathan Neman. “Wouleta has the experience, savviness, and leadership to help us make that vision a reality. We look forward to welcoming her to the team.”

Sweetgreen currently has 130-plus restaurants across the United States.