Bloomin' Brands Announces Leadership Changes, Outback Focus.

• Bloomin' Brands announces senior leadership appointments. • Focus on Outback Steakhouse brand turnaround. • Leadership team has broad operational and restaurant experience. • Committed to founder's values of guest hospitality. • Leadership changes to support sales and profit growth.

Bloomin' Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLMN) has announced a series of senior leadership appointments aimed at bolstering the company's ongoing business turnaround, with a particular focus on the Outback Steakhouse brand. The appointments reflect the company's commitment to operational excellence and guest hospitality, as outlined by Mike Spanos, the company's Chief Executive Officer.

Key leadership changes include the appointment of Eric Christel as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer-Elect, who will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer following a transition period ending on or about September 8, 2025. Christel brings nearly two decades of financial leadership experience across the food and beverage sector, including roles at The Campbell’s Company and PepsiCo. His extensive background in operating, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), strategy, and transformation will be instrumental in supporting the company's financial goals.

Michael Healy, the current Chief Financial Officer, will assume the newly created role of Executive Vice President, Strategy & Transformation. He will lead strategic initiatives central to Bloomin' Brands' turnaround efforts, prioritizing Outback Steakhouse. Healy is a 16-year veteran of the company, with broad experience across operating and corporate finance, supply chain, and brand leadership roles. His leadership will be supported by Susan Cline, who has been promoted to Group Vice President, Strategy & Transformation.

Jessica Mitory will join the company on August 11, 2025, as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer. She brings over 15 years of HR leadership experience, most recently serving as SVP, Global Total Rewards & Employee Experience at Advance Auto Parts. Mitory's expertise in HR and her experience in both company-owned and franchise operations will be crucial in enhancing the employee value proposition and supporting the Outback turnaround.

Ali Charri has been appointed Senior Vice President, Guest Insights and Analytics, effective immediately. He will 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, strategy, and marketplace analytics across restaurants and consumer-facing brands.

Rafael Sanchez joined the company on June 30, 2025, as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. He brings over 25 years of IT leadership experience spanning various industries, including restaurants, retail, hospitality, and entertainment. Sanchez's extensive background will be instrumental in integrating technology to enhance the guest experience and improve team member effectiveness.

Randy Scruggs has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Supply Chain. With two decades of experience in the food industry, Scruggs and his team have demonstrated expertise in sourcing and logistics, with a commitment to operational and quality excellence.

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

John Bettin will join the company on September 2, 2025, as Senior Vice President, President of Bonefish Grill. A veteran hospitality executive with over 30 years of leadership experience, Bettin's strategic leadership and operational acumen will be crucial in developing the future strategic plan for Bonefish Grill.

Mark Graff, the company's current EVP and President of Bonefish Grill and Fine Dining, will depart the company on November 1, 2025.

The remainder of the brand leadership remains unchanged, with Patrick Hafner, Kelia Bazile, and Sheilina Henry continuing to lead Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, respectively. Kelly Lefferts remains in her position as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, and Lissette Gonzalez remains in her position as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer.

Bloomin' Brands' leadership team has broad operational and restaurant experience across diverse consumer-facing businesses. These organizational updates aim to enhance the company's bench strength, creating a more effective team committed to operational excellence and reinvigorating sales and profit growth in its restaurants.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/BLMN/bloomin-brands-announces-leadership-8401zb76sc58.html
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/bloomina-brands-announces-leadership-changes-ce7c5edadf8cf426