Wouleta Ayele Appointed as CTO of Sweetgreen

Health food chain, Sweetgreen, has appointed Wouleta Ayele as Chief Technology Officer, effective today.

Ayele joins Sweetgreen after a 16-year career with Starbucks where she served in multiple leadership positions in its technology department. Most recently, she held the position of SVP of Technology. A graduate of Mercer University, Ayele has also worked for global companies including Coca-Cola, Hyundai and Attachmate Corporation.

“As we continue to scale and think about what the future of fast food will look like, the technology powering sweetgreen plays an integral part in creating efficiencies and providing our guests with the best experience possible,” Sweetgreen co-founder and CEO Jonathan Neman said in a statement. “Wouleta has the experience, savviness, and leadership to help us make that vision a reality. We look forward to welcoming her to the team.”

At Sweetgreen Ayele will develop the company’s digital platform and oversee supply chain and restaurant operations.

“Sweetgreen is a truly innovative company that is paving the way for a healthier future. The way that they approach the intersection of food and tech is unlike any other restaurant brand out there,” Ayele said in a press release. “I’m excited and grateful to be joining the Sweetgreen team as they lead the charge of changing the fast food industry for years to come.”