Matt Spessard
About Matt Spessard
Matt Spessard serves as the Chief Information Officer at The Wendy's Company, where he oversees global technology efforts and implements strategic technology solutions. He has held various leadership roles in the restaurant industry, including positions at SONIC Drive-In and Yum! Brands.
Current Role at Wendy's
Matt Spessard serves as the Chief Information Officer at The Wendy's Company since 2024. In this role, he oversees global technology efforts, which include Restaurant Technology, Data Management and Analytics, Enterprise Technology, Software Architecture and Engineering, and Information Security. His responsibilities focus on the strategic implementation of technology solutions aimed at enhancing both customer and crew experiences at Wendy's.
Previous Experience at Wendy's
Before his current position, Matt Spessard held multiple roles at The Wendy's Company. He served as the Senior Vice President and Global Chief Technology Officer from 2022 to 2024 and as Vice President of Digital and Restaurant Technology from 2020 to 2022. During his tenure, he played a key role in leveraging generative AI to innovate Wendy's drive-thru experience through the FreshAI platform.
Experience at SONIC Drive-In
Matt Spessard worked at SONIC Drive-In in various capacities from 2017 to 2020. He began as Senior Director of Implementation, followed by Senior Director of Retail Technology & Strategy, and ultimately served as Vice President, Head of Technology. His roles involved overseeing technology strategies and implementations to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Background in Operations and Technology
Matt Spessard has a diverse background in operations and technology within the food service industry. He worked at Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Stores as Operations Leader from 2011 to 2014 and at Church's Texas Chicken as Director of Operations from 2008 to 2011. Additionally, he spent nine years at Yum! Brands in various operations leadership roles, which provided him with extensive experience in franchise consulting and operational strategies.
Education and Expertise
While specific details about Matt Spessard's education are not provided, his extensive career in technology and operations within the restaurant industry reflects a strong foundation in both fields. His expertise includes technology strategy, implementation, and operational leadership, which he has applied throughout his career to enhance customer experiences and drive business growth.