Bloomin’ Brands, parent company to Outback Steakhouse, has announced extensive changes to its leadership team in an effort to turn around the company’s ongoing business.
“As we reinvigorate sales and profit growth in our restaurants, our leaders are committed to our founder’s values of leading growth that is enabled by our people with a passion for guest hospitality,” said Mike Spanos, CEO.
“These organizational updates enhance our bench strength, creating a more effective team that is committed to operational excellence.”
Eric Christel will join Bloomin’ Brands as executive VP and CFO-elect, following a transition period concluding in September, at which time he will work closely with Michael Healy, the current CFO.
With extensive operating, FP&A, strategy and transformation experience, Christel has two decades of financial leadership across the food and beverage sector, including at PepsiCo and as senior VP and CFO at Campbell’s Company’s snacks division.
Healy will take on the role of executive VP, strategy and transformation, focusing on Bloomin’ Brands’ turnaround efforts, specifically for Outback, and will also lead the company’s revenue management team.
Healy’s experience includes 16 years at Bloomin’ Brands, across operating and corporate finance, supply chain, and brand leadership roles.
He will be supported by Susan Celine, the recently promoted group VP of strategy and transformation, who brings over 30 years of experience in restaurant operations.
Jessica Mitory will be joining the company in August as senior VP, chief human resources officer and will oversee human resources, including compensation, benefits, recruiting, employee development and performance management.
Mitory has over 15 years of HR leadership experience, with her most recent role being senior VP, global total rewards & employee experience at Advance Auto Parts and at Pepsi Beverages North America before that.
Ali Charri will take on the role of Senior VP, guest insights and analytics, and will lead the company’s guest insights, analytics and digital capabilities.
Prior to this, Charri was senior VP of strategy and insights at Darden Restaurants and has over 20 years of experience across restaurants and consumer-facing brands.
Rafael Sanchez has been appointed senior VP and chief information officer and will help the company integrate technology to make the guest experience faster and allow employees to work more effectively.
Randy Scruggs will take on the role of senior VP, supply chain and will improve productivity through a commitment to operational and quality excellence.
Formerly VP, corporate finance and investor relations, Tara Kurian will take on expanded international responsibilities through a promotion to senior VP, IR, FP&A, and International, where she will work with Healy as the primary financial support in strategic projects and annual planning.
In September, John Bettin will join the company as senior VP, president of Bonefish Grill, and will bring over 30 years of experience in leadership, operations and guest centricity to the organization.
Current executive VP and President of Bonefish Grill and Fine Dining, Mark Graff, will be departing the company this November.
“As we look to shape Bloomin’ Brands’ future, our priorities are to simplify the business and consistently deliver a great guest experience while balancing our longer-term priorities to turn around Outback and drive sustainable sales and profit growth, and realigning our leadership team is a critical step in strengthening operational focus, agility, and accountability,” said Spanos.
