Current speakers

Shannon is known for transforming some of the most iconic global brands in Hospitality, Retail & Restaurants (Starbucks, Yum! Brands, & Darden Restaurants). Given the massive disruption of consumer behaviors in the industry, Shannon brings a unique perspective in this time of reimagining brands faster than the rate that consumers are reimagining themselves. With a strong ability to connect brands to purpose and differentiation, she is known to put people at the center that unlocks capability to drive performance.

As a compelling business leader, Shannon leverages her expansive experiences from Enterprise Strategy, Transformation, Innovation, Operations, Human Resources, Learning & Development, Store Development,  Technology & Analytics, Supply Chain, Marketing/Product & Finance who keeps leaders focused on enhancing experiences in a way that is unique to the brand and culture.

Currently, Shannon is the Global Chief Operating Officer & Chief Digital + Technology Officer at Yum! Brands. Spearheading the global digital, technology, and operations strategy to deliver omnichannel and phygital customer/team member experiences that unlocks a seamless guest and team member experience This strategic move aims to seamlessly blend our physical and digital – phygital – experiences and is a significant step towards shaping an impactful transformation which drives elevated and differentiated brand interactions for both our guests and team members alike.

Previously, she was the President of Siren Retail & the Senior Vice President of US Business at Starbucks Coffee Company.  Shannon and her team created the strategy and innovation to drive key operational initiatives in Starbucks retail stores while leading a $19 Billion business that elevated the customer and partner (employee) experiences. She was at the forefront of navigating the global pandemic creating an enterprise response team while driving innovation which surpassed shareholder expectations. This work evolved to the framework of Starbucks Reinvention Roadmap.

Shannon also led the Siren Retail team which was responsible for creating iconic experiences in flagship Roasteries and led the Starbucks Reserve brand. Illuminating the brand to be a place where connection is amplified by experience and curated technology- reimagining the role of experience that drove incremental occasions.

Shannon is a visionary leader who sees this new era of disruption filled with possibilities to reimagine companies, brands, industries while strengthening the cultural fabric that unlocks agility and drives speed to market.