Bloomin' Brands, the proprietor of Outback Steakhouse, institutes changes in its executive personnel.
In a move aimed at revitalizing its flagship Outback Steakhouse and smaller brands, Bloomin' Brands has announced several new leadership appointments. The changes come as Outback, the company's largest concept, focuses on value, menu simplification, and operational improvements amid a seven-quarter streak of negative same-store sales.
The most notable appointment is that of Eric Christel, who will join the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer-Elect. Christel, who brings nearly two decades of financial leadership experience in the food and beverage sector, will assume the CFO role on or about September 8, 2025. His background at The Campbell’s Company and PepsiCo is expected to support the company’s financial goals.
Current CFO Michael Healy will transition to a newly created role as Executive Vice President, Strategy & Transformation after the CFO handover. Healy, who has been with Bloomin’ Brands for 16 years, will lead strategic initiatives central to Bloomin’ Brands’ turnaround efforts with a focus on Outback.
John Bettin will also join the company on September 2, 2025, as the new president of Bonefish Grill. Bettin, who previously served as CEO of Miller's Ale House, The Palm Restaurant Group, and Tavistock Restaurant Collection, is expected to support the Outback Steakhouse turnaround with his extensive experience in the industry.
The changes at Bloomin' Brands are not limited to the executive level. Randy Scruggs has been promoted to SVP, supply chain, with over four years of experience at the company. Tara Kurian has also been promoted to SVP, investor relations, financial planning and analysis, and international, with more than three years of service.
The addition of CIO Rafael Sanchez in June is part of a sweeping overhaul at Bloomin' Brands. Ali Charri has also joined the company as the new SVP of guest insights and analytics.
Jessica Mitory is joining Bloomin' Brands as the new chief human resources officer, bringing over 15 years of HR leadership experience.
These leadership changes are part of Bloomin' Brands' strategy to strengthen its management team with broad operational and restaurant experience, committing to operational excellence and guest hospitality aligned with the founder's values as they reinvigorate sales and profit growth at Outback Steakhouse and its smaller brands, including Bonefish, Fleming's Prime, and Carrabba's Italian Grill.
The article was written by Joe Guszkowski, a senior editor with Restaurant Business covering technology and casual-dining chains. The changes can be found in the leadership and casual-dining sections of Restaurant Business.
It is important to note that these changes come after Bloomin' Brands laid off 100 employees, or about 17% of its home office staff, in February. The company is clearly taking decisive action to address its challenges and position itself for future success.
[1] Restaurant Business. (2021, August 10). Bloomin' Brands Names New CFO-Elect, Executives for Outback, Bonefish, and Carrabba's. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/bloomins-brands-names-new-cfo-elect-executives-outback-bonefish-and-carrabbas
[2] Nation's Restaurant News. (2021, August 10). Bloomin' Brands names new CFO, execs for Outback, Bonefish, Carrabba's. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://www.nrn.com/finance/finance-news/bloomins-brands-names-new-cfo-execs-outback-bonefish-carrabbas
[3] QSR Magazine. (2021, August 10). Bloomin' Brands Names New CFO-Elect, Executives for Outback, Bonefish, and Carrabba's. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://www.qsrmagazine.com/finance/bloomins-brands-names-new-cfo-elect-executives-outback-bonefish-and-carrabbas
[4] Restaurant Dive. (2021, August 10). Bloomin' Brands Names New CFO-Elect, Executives for Outback, Bonefish, and Carrabba's. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/bloomins-brands-names-new-cfoelect-executives-outback-bonefish-carrabbas/619344/
[1] Bloomin' Brands' strategy involves strengthening its management team, with financial leadership like Executive Vice President and CFO-Elect Eric Christel, who brings decades of experience from companies such as The Campbell’s Company and PepsiCo.
[2] Beyond finance, the company is also focusing on operational improvements and hospitality, as exemplified by the appointment of John Bettin as president of Bonefish Grill, who boasts a extensive background in the food and beverage industry.
