Carol brings a whole new meaning to the term world traveler – she’s been to 52 countries and does not plan to slow down any time soon! Back here at Pizza Hut, she’s all about the digital & technology world – improving the customer and team member experience with our world-class technology. Learn more about Chief Technology Officer, Carol Clements, her passion for the brand, and what shaped her into who she is today.

What did you want to be when you were young? A lawyer or an architect. I always liked to build things, play with Legos and figure out different ways to find a solution.

What moments in your personal life- and in the world as a whole- either changed or shaped your job in a significant way at that time? Why? I got exposure to computers at a young age in grade school and it really sparked my interest in technology. I was a math major in college (pony up!) and happened to take a computer science class. After taking the class I started thinking, why can’t I just write computer programs to actually solve the math problems for me?

Are you involved in the community? If so, how? I’m involved with STEM education for young girls, specifically a program called Girlstart. STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We need more women in all these fields, so Girlstart aims to get them interested at a young age.

What is the best part about working with franchisees? I admire their entrepreneurial spirit. My parents were franchisees for Shell, so I learned what a tremendous amount of courage and grit it took to be a small business owner

Any fun facts to share? It’s true, I have traveled to 52 countries. I’ve stayed in the Sahara desert, camped in the Amazon – the more unique a location, the better. I enjoy learning about new cultures and meeting people, I definitely have Antarctica on my bucket list!

Favorite memory of Pizza Hut? Well, I hate to admit it, but I may have skipped school a few times to go to our local Pizza Hut for lunch – lots of fun memories under the Red Roof!

Any parting words/best piece of advice you’ve been given? Be yourself, everyone else is taken. – Oscar Wilde.