Bloomin' Brands Stock Soars 3.3% After Leadership Changes

Bloomin' Brands (BLMN) shares rose 3.3% after announcing significant leadership changes aimed at simplifying its business and focusing on Outback Steakhouse brand turnaround. The company appointed a new CFO, Eric Christel, to enhance operational focus and drive growth. Despite being flagged as overvalued, investor optimism focuses on the company's recovery plans.

Bloomin' Brands (BLMN) shares rose 3.3% following the announcement of significant leadership changes aimed at simplifying the business and focusing on the turnaround of the Outback Steakhouse brand. The company appointed Eric Christel as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer-Elect, who will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer following a transition period concluding on or about September 8, 2025. Christel brings nearly two decades of financial leadership across the food and beverage sector, including roles at The Campbell’s Company and PepsiCo [1].

The appointment of Christel is part of a broader effort to enhance operational focus and drive growth. Michael Healy, the current CFO, will assume the newly created role of Executive Vice President, Strategy & Transformation, leading strategic initiatives central to Bloomin’ Brands’ turnaround efforts, with a focus on Outback. Healy is a 16-year veteran of the company and has extensive experience in operating and corporate finance, supply chain, and brand leadership roles [1].

The company also announced the appointment of Jessica Mitory as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, effective August 11, 2025. Mitory brings over 15 years of HR leadership experience across frontline operating and corporate functions, most recently serving as SVP, Global Total Rewards & Employee Experience at Advance Auto Parts [1].

Ali Charri has been appointed Senior Vice President, Guest Insights and Analytics, effective immediately, to lead the company’s strategic and marketing brand positioning, guest insights and analytics, and digital capabilities. Charri has more than 20 years of experience in consumer insights, strategy, and marketplace analytics across restaurants and consumer-facing brands [1].

Rafael Sanchez joined the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer on June 30, 2025, to integrate technology and enhance the guest experience. Randy Scruggs has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Supply Chain, and Tara Kurian has been promoted to Senior Vice President, IR, FP&A, and International [1].

John Bettin will join the company on September 2, 2025, as Senior Vice President and President of Bonefish Grill. Mark Graff, the current EVP and President of Bonefish Grill and Fine Dining, will depart the company on November 1, 2025 [1].

Despite being flagged as overvalued by some analysts, investor optimism focuses on the company's recovery plans. The company will release its second quarter results on August 6, 2025, which will provide further insight into its financial performance and the impact of these leadership changes [1].

References:
[1] https://www.bloominbrands.com/newsroom/news-releases/news-release/bloomin-brands-announces-leadership-changes