Bloomberg Finance Experts Spotlight: CFOs on the Move for August 8

Bloomin' Brands has named Eric Christel as EVP and CFO-elect, replacing Michael Healy, who will transition into a new role. Bumble has appointed Kevin Cook as its new CFO, replacing Ronald Fior. Warby Parker's CFO, Steve Miller, will step down on Oct. 1 to pursue another opportunity. Graham O'Brien has been officially appointed as ZoomInfo's permanent CFO, having served as interim CFO since September 2024.

Bloomin' Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLMN) has announced a series of senior leadership appointments aimed at bolstering its financial and operational capabilities, particularly focusing on the turnaround of the Outback Steakhouse brand. The company's CEO, Mike Spanos, stated that these appointments are part of a broader strategy to simplify the business and deliver a superior guest experience while achieving sustainable sales and profit growth.

One of the key appointments is Eric Christel, who has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer-elect. Christel will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer following a transition period concluding on or about September 8, 2025. He brings nearly two decades of financial leadership experience, including roles at The Campbell’s Company and PepsiCo. During his transition, Christel will collaborate with the current CFO, Michael Healy, who will transition into a new role as Executive Vice President, Strategy & Transformation. Healy will lead strategic initiatives central to Bloomin’ Brands’ turnaround efforts, prioritizing Outback [1].

Michael Healy will be supported by Susan Cline, who has been promoted to Group Vice President, Strategy & Transformation. Cline’s extensive restaurant operations experience will be crucial in executing the Outback turnaround [1].

Jessica Mitory has been appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, overseeing human resources, compensation, and benefits, recruiting, employee development, and performance management. Mitory brings over 15 years of HR leadership experience, 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, to lead the company’s strategic and marketing brand positioning, guest insights and analytics, and digital capabilities. Charri has over 20 years of experience in consumer insights and strategy [1].

Rafael Sanchez has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, bringing over 25 years of IT leadership experience. Sanchez will integrate technology to enhance the guest experience and improve team member effectiveness [1].

Randy Scruggs has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Supply Chain, where he will continue to demonstrate his expertise in sourcing and logistics. Scruggs has two decades of experience in the food industry [1].

Tara Kurian has been promoted to Senior Vice President, IR, FP&A, and International, taking on expanded international responsibilities and partnering with Healy and the Strategy Transformation team as the primary finance support in strategic projects and annual planning [1].

John Bettin will join the Company on September 2, 2025, as Senior Vice President, President of Bonefish Grill. Bettin is a veteran hospitality executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in the restaurant industry [1].

Mark Graff, the current EVP and President of Bonefish Grill and Fine Dining, will depart the Company on November 1, 2025 [1].

The company is also expanding its Outback turnaround test initiatives, with the test now encompassing 42 restaurants by the end of September. This expansion follows encouraging results from initial testing, which provided valuable guest feedback and insights [2].

Bloomin’ Brands will release its fiscal second quarter results on August 6, 2025, at approximately 7:00 AM EST, followed by a conference call at 8:00 AM EST to review its financial results [1].

References:
[1] https://www.bloominbrands.com/newsroom/news-releases/news-release/bloomin-brands-announces-leadership-changes
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4480259-bloomin-brands-outlines-expanded-outback-turnaround-test-to-42-restaurants-with-3m-investment