Zaria Parvez leaves Duolingo to take on Head of Social role at on demand delivery firm DoorDash

DoorDash has appointed Zaria Parvez as Head of Social. She joins from language learning app Duolingo, where she spent just over five years and held the role of Global Senior Social Media Manager.

In a LInkedIn post, she said: “I’ve always been a builder who loves starting from scratch, but this next chapter is about something bigger: empowering the next era and generation of content creators. I’m excited to focus on flexing my leadership muscles and to challenge myself in ways I’ve never done before.”

She added: “Thank you to Renaldo A. Chapman (Vice President, Brand and Creative) and Kofi Amoo-Gottfried (Chief Marketing Officer) for taking a bet on me not just as a creator, but as a leader.”

McDonald’s

McDonald’s and DoorDash recently announced the launch of a new US online ordering offering, allowing customers to get McDelivery via mobile web or desktop - no app downloads, logins, or accounts required. Orders are fulfilled by Dashers.

“We’re making it easy for customers to order McDonald’s wherever they are,” said Shanna Prevé, VP of Enterprise Sales & Business Development at DoorDash. “This global partnership is powered by innovation - driving sales, simplifying operations, and elevating the customer experience.”

The DoorDash powered site is accessible from McDonalds.com, with flexible payment options and no account required.

“With millions of customers visiting McDonalds.com each month, this channel extends our reach, offering a seamless and convenient way to have their favourites delivered. It reflects our continued commitment to meeting customer demands and strengthening accessibility across all touchpoints,” said Tim Snyder, Head of Delivery at McDonald’s USA.

The launch is part of a global partnership which now supports McDelivery in 29 countries. DoorDash, together with its affiliated brand Wolt, is a major delivery partner for McDonald’s in the US and other markets including Canada, Germany, Australia, Finland, and Japan.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Online delivery will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.