Bloomin’ Brands is making a slew of leadership changes as it looks to revive its business, particularly the scuffling Outback Steakhouse.
The Tampa-based company on Monday announced a new CFO, human resources chief and analytics leader, and moved one of its longtime leaders into the newly created role of EVP of strategy and transformation, among other changes.
CEO Mike Spanos, who joined Bloomin’ in September, said the updates will improve the company’s “bench strength” and create a more effective team.
Headlining the moves is CFO-elect Eric Christel. Christel comes from the Campbell’s Co.’s Snacks Division, where he had been CFO since 2022. Previously, he spent more than 10 years in finance at PepsiCo, and has nearly two decades of finance experience in the food and beverage industry.
He’ll take the baton from current CFO Michael Healy on Sept. 8, at which point Healy will move into the newly created role of EVP, strategy and transformation. He’ll be in charge of the company’s turnaround efforts, with a specific focus on Outback.
Healy has been with Bloomin’ for 16 years across various departments, including operations, financing and brand leadership. He was promoted to CFO last April.
Healy will also lead Bloomin’s revenue management team, with support from Susan Cline, who was promoted to group VP, strategy and transformation. Cline has been with Bloomin’ for 30 years in various training and operations roles.
Jessica Mitory is joining the company as chief human resources officer. She has more than 15 years of HR leadership experience and was most recently SVP of global total rewards and employee experience for Advance Auto Parts. Before that she was with Pepsi Beverages North America.
Ali Charri was named SVP of guest insights and analytics. He will lead Bloomin’s brand positioning, customer insights and digital capabilities. He was most recently SVP of strategy and insights at Olive Garden parent Darden Restaurants for 15 years. Before that he spent time with SABMiller and The Coca-Cola Co.
Randy Scruggs was promoted to SVP, supply chain, from VP, supply chain. He’s been with Bloomin’ for more than four years and has two decades of experience in the food industry.
Tara Kurian was promoted to SVP investor relations, financial planning and analysis, and international. She was previously VP of corporate finance and investor relations and has been with Bloomin’ for more than three years. In her new role, she’ll take on more international responsibilities, and will also work with Healy as the go-to finance support for Bloomin’s strategic projects and annual planning.
John Bettin was named president of Bonefish Grill. Bettin was most recently CEO of Miller’s Ale House and has also been CEO of The Palm Restaurant Group and Tavistock Restaurant Collection.
He’ll replace Mark Graff, who is leaving Bloomin’ on Nov. 1 after 13 years with the company.
The changes follow the addition of CIO Rafael Sanchez in June.
They are part of a sweeping overhaul at Bloomin’ Brands, which has been working to revitalize its largest concept, the 673-unit Outback, as well as its smaller brands, including Bonefish, Fleming’s Prime and Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
Outback has been focusing on value, menu simplification and operations. It’s in the midst of a seven-quarter streak of negative same-store sales.
In February, Bloomin’ laid off 100 employees, or about 17% of its home office staff.
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