Subway's Technology Chief Resigns Just as New Mobile App Debuts

(Bloomberg) -- Subway Restaurants Chief Information and Digital Officer Carman Wenkoff is stepping down this month, leaving the sandwich chain without a tech leader just as it rolls out a critical new mobile app.

Wenkoff will depart by the end of the month to take a new job, Subway said in a statement Tuesday. The company didn’t say where he is heading.

“During his five years as head of the technology group, Carman helped build a strong foundation and developed a Subway digital team that will continue their innovative work to transform the customer experience at Subway restaurants around the world,” the Milford, Connecticut-based company said.

Wenkoff is exiting the chain at a critical juncture. Facing one of the worst sales slumps in its history, Subway is increasingly relying on technology to help boost its image and win back customers. In addition to the new app, it’s also adding touch-screen ordering kiosks and testing dedicated pickup areas for mobile orders.

The company also is following other fast-food chains, including McDonald’s Corp., in trying out more delivery options. Subway hasn’t teamed up with any third-party services on a larger scale yet.

To contact the reporter on this story: Leslie Patton in Chicago at lpatton5@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Nick Turner at nturner7@bloomberg.net.