BOSTON — Dawn Food Products, Inc. is opening a Digital Innovation Hub in Boston. The new center is part of a larger digital transformation effort spearheaded by Bob Howland, the company’s first chief digital officer.

Mr. Howland currently is building a team of product managers, user experience designers, engineers and software designers to build Dawn’s digital capabilities. Key new hires included Kristin Pados, senior director of product management, and Gireesh Sahukar, senior director of digital technology. Ms. Pados brings more than 20 years of experience in the tech sector, including stints at Nara Logics, TripAdvisor and Apple. Mr. Sahukar joins Dawn from Keurig Dr. Pepper, where he was director of digital enterprise architecture.

The team in Boston will focus on building tools to engage artisanal bakers, according to the company. Digital enhancements include monthly market assessments, online ordering and 24/7 inventory management.

“By opening our Digital Innovation Hub in Boston, and investing in an area with rich tech talent, I am confident we are putting the right infrastructure in place to develop the right digital solutions for both Dawn and our customers,” Mr. Howland said. “Additionally, these critical investments will drive added enhancements for the baking industry as a whole — from cost and time savings to access to a wider array of products, offerings and inspirational recipes.”

Mr. Howland joined Dawn Foods in February. He has experience building digital and e-commerce platforms at Blueport Commerce, GSI Commerce, The Vanguard Group, General Electric, Johnson & Johnson and American Express.