PANELISTS

Chris Caldwell | CIO | KFC

Chris Caldwell serves as Chief Information Officer, KFC U.S. Chris joined KFC in 2014 and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of information technology, information security, data analytics and digital technology for KFC US. Chris is passionate about partnering with franchisees to implement technology that will improve restaurant operations, drive sales, and make KFC one of the most relevant and distinctive brands in the quick service restaurant industry. Chris has been with the Yum! family since 1996, when he joined KFC as an intern from the University of Louisville Computer Information Systems program. Chris has held multiple IT leadership positions throughout his career at both Yum! and KFC.

Brad Gardone | VP of Information Technology | Long John Silver’s

Brad Gardone is the Vice President of IT Services for Long John Silver’s. Brad has worked in the QSR industry for 21 years at KFC, YUM, and Long John Silvers. His background is in application development, software quality assurance, and vendor/franchisee relations. In his career Brad has worked a variety of projects including: KFC delivery, integration of pressure fryers and point of sale system, deployment/testing of a global collaboration platform, deployment of a cloud based back of house system, and integration/deployment of digital drive through system.

Mike Nettles | CIO | Papa John’s

Mike Nettles has spent almost 30 years of his professional career becoming a self-ascribed “gearhead foodie.” His background includes work for several multi-concept global restaurant hospitality brands. He has delivered technology and business solutions for some of the biggest and most respected names in the industry. Mike’s technical expertise extends to encompass the entire technology solution set enabling the business, from the design and implementation of store level order management and fulfillment solutions to the accounting and home office ERP solutions. Furthermore, Mike has taken the entire customer experience journey outside of the confines of traditional technology to bring about world-class consumer facing solutions.

MODERATORS

Lauren Smith Madden | Attorney | Frost Brown Todd

Lauren Smith Madden is an associate at Frost Brown Todd LLC focusing her practice in the area franchising and distribution. Lauren has substantial experience in the development and registration of franchise documents and the navigation of state franchise relationship laws. Her experience includes helping start-up franchisors develop new systems by drafting franchise agreements and preparing franchise disclosure documents, multi-unit franchise relationship agreements and development agreements. Lauren also works with clients in the refranchise, divestiture and acquisition of franchise outets.

Jason Williams | Attorney | Frost Brown Todd

Jason Williams is a member at Frost Brown Todd LLC concentrating his practice in corporate law with an emphasis in franchise law. Jason serves as the leader of Frost Brown Todd’s Franchise and Distribution service team. He has substantial experience in the refranchise, divestiture and acquisition of franchise outlets. Jason often works with clients in the development and registration of franchise documents and the navigation of state franchise relationship laws. In addition, Jason has represented franchisee associations in connection with general formation and operational matters. He also has substantial experience in the organization and representation of purchasing cooperatives for national restaurant chains.