Starbucks recruits former McDonald’s exec, contemplates tech changes to its mobile app, drive-thrus

Starbucks revealed it has recruited a new chief technology officer to manage tech under the leadership of returning chief executive officer, Howard Schultz. The coffee chain company hired a former McDonald’s executive to assist the CEO with his plans to impose changes in Starbucks’ mobile app, drive-thrus, and other in-house tech systems.

According to Reuters, Starbucks hired Deb Hall Lefevre as CTO, and she will officially join the company on May 2. She will be replacing Hans Melotte, who was appointed as interim CTO for five months.

Chas Hermann, a consultant and former Starbucks vice president of marketing, said that hiring a CTO who has experience in retail and restaurants will make sure that digital transactions in the company will run smoothly. He said that this process has become especially important at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as customers chose to buy and order via mobile apps and use payment systems to settle their bills.

Hermann added that CEO Schultz "wants to have someone that can really run the engine in the car, thus they hired Lefevre for the executive tech post. He added that while there is a CTO, “the driver in the seat will be Howard."

The company’s spokesperson said that some of the changes that are expected to be implemented with the modification include customization in Starbucks’ customers’ mobile app, systems for staff training, scheduling, and equipment maintenance so baristas can spend more time with customers.

It was previously reported that baristas experience burnout at work as a deluge of mobile orders come in, so the improvements on equipment will help them ease up the workload. Schultz is also planning to enhance employee benefits and subdue the increasing union organizing efforts at Starbucks locations.

Meanwhile, Schultz, who is also Starbucks’ founder, returned to the company as CEO earlier this month. He will also be a director on the chain’s Board. Through a letter, he announced his return and listed his vision for the future of the company and everyone working there.

“I am returning to the company to work with all of you to design our next Starbucks - an evolution of our company deep with purpose, where we each have agency and where we work together to create a positive impact in the world,” part of his letter reads.