US-based CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Carl's Jr and Hardee's, has appointed Justin Falciola as its chief technology and growth officer. 

The move is aimed at bolstering digital growth and guest experience for both brands. 

Falciola comes to CKE from Papa John's International, where he has worked as chief insights and technology officer since 2018.  

His background also includes positions at Humana, Fifth Third Bank and JPMorgan Chase. He holds a bachelor's degree in information systems from Rutgers University. 

As the chief technology and growth officer, Falciola will oversee the adoption of new technologies, support the digital development of loyalty, first-party and third-party digital channels, and link business goals with information technology, digital strategy and operations. 

The appointment of Falciola follows a broader initiative by CKE Restaurants to separate its Carl's Jr and Hardee's brands and implement a leadership structure focused on strategic growth.  

Carl’s Jr and Hardee’s are concentrating on evolving their offerings with a focus on mobile ordering, delivery and loyalty programmes.  

These investments are designed to improve convenience and value for guests while also increasing sales from digital and delivery channels. 

CKE CEO Max Wetzel said: "We are excited to welcome Justin to the organisation. As technology continues to shape and change the QSR [quick service restaurant] 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 November 2023, CKE Restaurants adopted Black Box Intelligence’s GuestXM platform to gather customer experience insights globally.