New Inspire Brands CIO to lead technology initiatives across 8,300 restaurant locations
Inspire Brands has tapped Raghu Sagi to be its chief information officer (CIO) effective April 15. Sagi comes to Inspire Brands with technology leadership and high-level digital oversight experiences. Inspire is the parent of Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, and Rusty Taco, Having most recently worked as chief engineering officer at Sephora Americas, Sagi oversaw omni-channel digital, retail, personalization and CRM. including loyalty and the Data Insights technology framework there.
Furthermore, during his tenure at Sephora, the brand earned notable industry recognition, including L2 Digital IQ “Genius” ranking (five years in a row), 2018 Retailer Of The Year award and 2016 WWD Beauty “Visionary.”
Prior to his role at Sephora, Sagi helped lead technology efforts at Walmart, Best Buy and Accenture. Also, as Inspire Brands CIO, he’ll report to Paul Brown, the restaurant company’s chief executive officer, and will work out of the Atlanta Support Center.
Additionally, Inspire Brands’ former CIO, Darla Morse, now takes the role of chief information officer for CKE Restaurants. Roark Capital, the investment firm that backs Inspire Brands and is heavily invested in retail and restaurant companies, took a majority stake acquisition in QSR operator CKE in 2013. CKE owns and franchises Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. restaurants.
[Related article: Inspire Brands finalizes purchase of Sonic Corp.]
“Raghu will be instrumental in the digital transformation of Inspire and our brands,” said Brown, in a statement. “I also want to thank Darla for her many contributions to Arby’s and Inspire over the years and wish her the best in her new endeavor.”
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