Staffing

Dairy Queen hires Phil Crawford to lead global retail technology

Photo: Dairy Queen

July 8, 2026

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International Dairy Queen Inc. has named Phil Crawford as executive vice president and chief technology officer, according to a press release.

Crawford will report to the president and CEO, overseeing IT and retail technology for the company and its more than 7,800 Dairy Queen restaurants worldwide. He will be based at the global franchisee support center in Minneapolis and succeeds Kevin Baartman, who is retiring later this year.

"Technology plays an increasingly critical role in empowering our business for our employees, franchisees and fans," Troy Bader, president and CEO at International Dairy Queen, said in the press release "Phil's proven success as a restaurant business and technology leader positions us for continued growth as we live our mission of creating positive memories for all who touch DQ."

Crawford joins the company with 20 years of experience leading IT and technology for restaurant brands. He previously led global food, beverage and hospitality verticals at Adyen N.V., and held chief information officer or chief technology officer roles at Godiva Chocolatier, Shake Shack, Yard House Restaurants and CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's.

"The iconic Dairy Queen brand has a powerful legacy I admire, and I respect the team's recent commitment to technological innovation and digital capabilities," Crawford said in the press release. "I am excited to lead the next chapter of the company's technology strategy that builds a truly unified, scalable commerce ecosystem. Our goal will be to deepen consumer engagement and deliver exceptional experiences — whether our fans are ordering at drive thru, via delivery, in restaurant or through our digital platforms."