International Dairy Queen Appoints Phil Crawford as New Chief Technology Officer
International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), the global franchisor behind the iconic Dairy Queen® brand, has announced the appointment of Phil Crawford as executive vice president and chief technology officer. In his new role, Crawford will oversee information technology and retail technology initiatives for IDQ and its extensive network of more than 7,800 DQ® restaurants operating around the world.
Reporting directly to the company’s president and CEO, Crawford will be responsible for advancing Dairy Queen’s technology strategy, strengthening digital capabilities, and supporting franchisees and restaurant teams through innovative solutions designed to improve operations and enhance guest experiences.
The appointment comes as the restaurant industry continues to experience rapid digital transformation, with technology becoming increasingly important in areas such as mobile ordering, delivery, loyalty programs, restaurant operations, and customer engagement. IDQ said Crawford’s extensive background in restaurant technology leadership will help position the company for continued growth while supporting its mission of creating positive memories for everyone who interacts with the DQ brand.
“Troy Bader, president and CEO at International Dairy Queen, highlighted the growing importance of technology in supporting employees, franchise owners, and guests across the global restaurant network. He noted that Crawford’s combination of restaurant industry knowledge and technology expertise will help the company continue building on its digital momentum and delivering meaningful experiences for DQ fans worldwide.
Crawford brings decades of experience leading technology strategies for major restaurant, hospitality, and consumer brands. Before joining International Dairy Queen, he served as the leader of global food, beverage, and hospitality industries at Adyen N.V., where he worked with businesses on payment technology and digital commerce solutions.
Throughout his career, Crawford has held senior information technology leadership positions at several well-known restaurant and consumer brands. His previous roles include serving as chief information officer or chief technology officer at CKE Restaurants, the company behind Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s; Godiva Chocolatier; Shake Shack; and Yard House Restaurants.
His diverse experience across restaurant operations, digital platforms, payments, and customer-facing technology provides Crawford with a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s restaurant industry. His leadership is expected to support IDQ’s continued investment in technology systems that improve restaurant efficiency while creating more seamless experiences for customers.
“I am excited to lead the next chapter of the company’s technology strategy that builds a truly unified, scalable commerce ecosystem,” Crawford said. He added that the company’s focus will be on strengthening consumer engagement and delivering exceptional experiences across multiple ordering channels, including drive-thru, delivery, in-restaurant visits, and digital platforms.
Under Crawford’s leadership, IDQ plans to further develop its technology ecosystem to better connect franchisees, employees, and customers. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, restaurant brands are increasingly focused on creating consistent experiences across physical and digital channels. A unified commerce approach can help operators better understand customer preferences, streamline operations, and improve service across every touchpoint.
In addition to his corporate leadership experience, Crawford has contributed his expertise to several technology and restaurant industry advisory boards. He currently serves in advisory roles with EveryBite, Bite, and Fresh Technology. He has also previously advised Olo and PAR Technology Corporation, including its Punchh business.
Crawford holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern Arizona University, an MBA from University of Phoenix, and completed the Harvard Business Analytics Program at Harvard University.
He will be based at the International Dairy Queen global franchisee support center in Minneapolis, where he will work closely with company leadership, franchise partners, and technology teams to advance the brand’s digital initiatives.
Crawford succeeds Kevin Baartman, who is retiring later this year after supporting the company’s technology operations. IDQ said the leadership transition reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its technology foundation and preparing the Dairy Queen system for future growth.
With Crawford’s appointment, International Dairy Queen aims to accelerate innovation, expand digital capabilities, and create more connected experiences for millions of DQ customers around the world. His leadership will play a key role as the company continues evolving its technology infrastructure to support franchise success and meet the changing expectations of modern restaurant consumers.
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