Das Dasgupta swaps Starbucks for McDonald's and Global Chief Data Analytics & AI Officer role

Das Dasgupta has been appointed by McDonald’s to the role of Global Chief Data Analytics & AI Officer.

He joins from Starbucks where he served as Chief Data & Analytics Officer.

Prior to that, he was Chief Data Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi, where he led data science operations and advanced analytics. His past experience includes leadership roles at Amazon, McKinsey, EY, and Viacom.

He is also an Adjunct Professor at USC Marshall School of Business, where he teaches MBA and MS courses in Advanced Analytics and Logistics. He holds dual Ph.D. degrees in Operations Research and Management Science from Penn State University.

in a LinkedIn post, Dasgupta said: “Grateful for the trust - and energised to partner with the incredible teams across marketing, GBS/tech, operations, finance, HR, and our franchisee community.”

“My commitment is simple: listen first, learn from our crew and franchisees, and work side by side to turn data into everyday decisions that make experiences faster, easier, and more personal - all with strong governance, privacy, and ethics. In the near-term, I’ll focus on building “Moneyball” teams, early wins that matter in restaurants and in the app, and a scalable foundation for AI that helps our people do their best work.”

He concluded: “Thank you to mentors, colleagues, friends, and family who made this journey possible. I’m excited for what we’ll build together. Onward.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI and data analytics will be key focus areas 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.