FRANKLIN, TENN. — Parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc., announced Chief Technology Officer Phil Crawford received the Tennessee CIO of the Year ORBIE Award in the corporate category for developing the company’s digital ecosystem. Crawford detailed CKE’s digital roadmap in just over a year, which allows for a cross-functional platform for marketing and IT teams.

CKE said Crawford advocated for digital early in his career with the company. By revitalizing the company’s tech stack, Crawford helped improve guest experience with a standardized point-of-sale, online ordering, delivery integration, the company's first-ever loyalty app and a data platform that enables 1:1 marketing.

“It is an absolute honor to receive this award,” Crawford said. “This award signifies the culmination of a tremendous tech journey at CKE Restaurants where we are revolutionizing our digital ecosystem. It also reinforces for me that I chose the right path when I joined the IT ranks almost 20 years ago.”

“Phil has had an outsized impact reshaping our IT strategy, rebuilding our tech stack and executing a digital transformation,” said Ned Lyerly, CKE chief executive officer. “He has developed deep relationships with our franchise community and worked closely with them to drive technology adoption across the franchise network. We’ve made tremendous progress in IT with Phil at the helm. He’s a positive and uplifting executive who has added tremendous value to our brand experience.”

CKE has nearly 4,000 restaurants that are predominantly franchised in 40 countries. The company said because of its size and scale, it’s important to solicit feedback from franchises, support their needs and develop technology supporting growth.