Vice President HTeaO Appoints Jodie Chau as Vice President of Supply Chain
HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise with a rapidly expanding footprint, proudly announces the appointment of Jodie Chau as Vice President of Supply Chain. With over 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Chau brings a strong leadership background in operational excellence, global sourcing, supplier relationship management, and cost-saving strategies. Her extensive experience will be key to supporting HTeaO’s ongoing national expansion and commitment to delivering a premium tea experience.
A Proven Leader in Supply Chain Management
Before joining HTeaO, Chau served as Senior Director of Global Purchasing at Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., where she led strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier evaluation efforts to support the brand’s large-scale operations. Vice President Prior to that, she was Director of Procurement at Chipotle Mexican Grill, overseeing supply planning, contract negotiations, and category insights for its extensive network. During her time at Chipotle, she played a pivotal role in optimizing the supply chain for fresh ingredients, ensuring efficient sourcing and distribution to meet high consumer demand.
Chau also spent over four years at H-E-B as Senior Purchasing Manager, focusing on supplier performance strategies, market intelligence, and business innovation to drive operational excellence. Vice President She developed key strategies to enhance vendor performance, ensuring the seamless flow of goods while maintaining cost efficiency and quality standards. Vice President Her experience in navigating the retail and restaurant industries provides a unique perspective that will help HTeaO strengthen its supply chain operations.
Before transitioning into the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, Chau built a strong foundation in supply chain management at major global brands such as Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Safeway. At Coca-Cola, she contributed to streamlining procurement processes and improving supplier collaboration. Vice President At Nestlé, she developed strategies to optimize inventory management and logistics, enhancing product availability while reducing operational costs. Vice President Her comprehensive expertise in managing supply chains for global food and beverage brands makes her an invaluable addition to the HTeaO leadership team.
Vision for HTeaO’s Supply Chain Excellence
In her new role, Chau will oversee HTeaO’s procurement team, ensuring seamless sourcing and acquisition of key materials and supplies that power the brand’s high-quality, freshly brewed tea experience. Vice President She will lead strategic initiatives focused on optimizing supply chain operations, strengthening supplier partnerships, and driving innovation to support HTeaO’s continued expansion.
Key areas of focus for Chau in her new role include:
- Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency: Implementing technology-driven solutions to streamline procurement, reduce costs, and improve logistics operations.
- Strengthening Supplier Relationships: Building strategic partnerships with suppliers to ensure consistent quality and reliability in sourcing raw materials.
- Scaling Operations for Growth: Supporting HTeaO’s nationwide expansion by optimizing distribution networks and inventory management systems.
- Innovation in Sourcing: Exploring sustainable and innovative sourcing methods to align with HTeaO’s commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
Leadership Perspective on Joining HTeaO
“I’m excited to join HTeaO at such a pivotal time of growth,” said Chau. “Collaboration and innovation are at the core of what I love to do, and I look forward to working alongside this incredible team to enhance efficiencies, strengthen supplier relationships, and contribute to the brand’s success. HTeaO’s commitment to quality and community involvement aligns with my passion for strategic leadership and social responsibility.”
HTeaO President Heath Nielsen expressed enthusiasm about Chau’s appointment, stating, “Jodie’s extensive experience and leadership in supply chain management make her an invaluable addition to our team. Her ability to drive efficiency, build strong supplier relationships, and implement strategic sourcing initiatives will help fuel our nationwide expansion. We’re excited to welcome her and look forward to the impact she will make on our growing brand.”
Preparing for Nationwide Expansion
As HTeaO continues its rapid expansion across the United States, the need for a resilient, efficient, and cost-effective supply chain becomes increasingly critical. Chau’s expertise in navigating complex supply chains and executing cost-effective strategies will be instrumental in helping HTeaO scale across new markets. She will focus on:
- Streamlining Processes: Identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in the supply chain to improve overall productivity.
- Reducing Costs: Implementing cost-saving strategies without compromising product quality or customer satisfaction.
- Agility and Responsiveness: Ensuring the supply chain remains flexible and adaptive to fluctuating consumer demand and market conditions.
HTeaO’s growth strategy includes opening new locations in key markets, increasing brand awareness, and expanding its menu offerings to attract a broader customer base. With Chau at the helm of supply chain operations, the company is well-positioned to maintain its reputation for delivering premium iced tea products while optimizing its logistics and procurement practices.
HTeaO’s Commitment to Innovation and Community Engagement
HTeaO continues to revolutionize the beverage industry with its commitment to fresh, high-quality, and flavor-forward tea, served in a unique customer-focused retail experience. With locations expanding nationwide, the brand remains dedicated to delivering a premium product with a strong emphasis on community engagement and local partnerships. HTeaO’s innovative business model, which blends convenience with high-quality offerings, has positioned it as a leader in the iced tea franchise market.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing is also a priority as it scales operations. By leveraging new supply chain strategies, HTeaO aims to ensure that its sourcing practices align with sustainability goals, reducing environmental impact while maintaining product excellence.
