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Ningyu Chen joined Starbucks as senior vice president and chief architect in March 2023. In this role, Ningyu leads global architecture, emerging technology, and data & AI services and platforms. He is responsible for driving technology modernization and innovation across the enterprise.
Ningyu brings more than 25 years of diverse technology and leadership experience in the hospitality, retail, and quick service restaurant industries. A strategic thinker and builder, Ningyu is deeply passionate about driving digital transformation and leveraging technology innovation to enrich customer and partner (employee) experiences. His work has made a substantial impact in a wide range of business areas, including omnichannel experience, marketing & loyalty programs, supply chain optimization, store operations, big data, and advanced analytics.
Ningyu started his career with Delta Air Lines where he was part of the technology transformation team that redefined customer travel experiences. In various roles as a tech leader for Macy’s, Ningyu’s organizations played a critical role in transforming the enterprise digital and data landscape, which enabled tremendous digital business growth. After joining Inspire Brands, first as vice president of architecture & innovation and later as senior vice president of digital technology and enterprise data, Ningyu led his team to accelerate technology innovation during the COVID pandemic, including contactless pay and curbside pickup, in-store digital dine-in, and multi-brand e-commerce.
Ningyu holds a master’s degree in artificial intelligence from University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Northland College. Outside of his work, Ningyu enjoys reading, music, photography and traveling with his family. His favorite Starbucks drink is Matcha Tea Latte with oatmilk.