HTeaO, the leading iced tea franchise in the United States, has announced the appointment of Jodie Chau as its new Vice President of Supply Chain. With over two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, Chau brings a wealth of expertise in operational efficiency, global sourcing, supplier management, and cost-saving strategies.
Chau’s career spans several high-profile roles. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Global Purchasing at Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, where she spearheaded strategic sourcing and supplier evaluation to support large-scale operations. Prior to that, she held the position of Director of Procurement at Chipotle Mexican Grill, overseeing supply planning and contract negotiations for its extensive network. Chau also spent over four years at H-E-B as Senior Purchasing Manager, focusing on supplier performance and market intelligence. Earlier in her career, she honed her skills in supply chain management at Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Safeway.
In her new role at HTeaO, Chau will lead the procurement team, ensuring seamless sourcing and acquisition of materials essential to delivering the brand’s signature freshly brewed tea. Her responsibilities will include optimizing supply chain operations, fostering strong supplier relationships, and driving innovation to support HTeaO’s ambitious expansion plans.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Chau stated: “I’m excited to join HTeaO at such a pivotal time of growth. Collaboration and innovation are at the core of what I love to do, and I look forward to working alongside this incredible team to enhance efficiencies, strengthen supplier relationships, and contribute to the brand’s success. HTeaO’s commitment to quality and community involvement aligns with my passion for strategic leadership and social responsibility.”
Heath Nielsen, President of HTeaO, shared his confidence in Chau’s appointment: “Jodie’s extensive experience and leadership in supply chain management make her an invaluable addition to our team. Her ability to drive efficiency, build strong supplier relationships, and implement strategic sourcing initiatives will help fuel our nationwide expansion. We’re excited to welcome her and look forward to the impact she will make on our growing brand.”
Chau’s expertise will be instrumental as HTeaO continues its rapid growth across new markets. She plans to streamline processes, reduce costs, and maintain an agile supply chain capable of meeting increasing consumer demand.
HTeaO has established itself as a frontrunner in the beverage industry with its focus on fresh, high-quality tea served through a customer-centric retail model. With over 100 locations reached in early 2024 and expansion underway nationwide, the brand remains committed to community engagement and delivering premium products.
