Tampa, Fla. — Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. has implemented a series of senior leadership appointments designed to support the company’s ongoing business turnaround, focusing on the Outback Steakhouse brand.
“The Bloomin Brands leadership team has broad operational and restaurant experience across diverse consumer facing businesses. As we reinvigorate sales and profit growth in our restaurants, our leaders are committed to our founder’s values of leading growth that is enabled by our people with a passion for guest hospitality,” says Mike Spanos, chief executive officer. “These organizational updates enhance our bench strength, creating a more effective team that is committed to operational excellence.”
Eric Christel joins Bloomin’ Brands as executive vice president and chief financial officer-elect. Following a transition period concluding on or about Sept. 8, 2025, he will assume the role of chief financial officer. During this time, Christel will collaborate closely with the current CFO, Michael Healy, to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
Christel brings nearly two decades of financial leadership across the food and beverage sector, including his role as senior vice president and chief financial officer of The Campbell’s Company’s snacks division and several leadership roles at PepsiCo from 2007 to 2020.
Upon conclusion of the CFO transition, Healy will assume the newly created role of executive vice president, strategy & transformation, where he will lead the strategic initiatives central to Bloomin’ Brands’ turnaround efforts, prioritizing Outback. Healy is a 16-year veteran of Bloomin Brands, possessing broad experience across operating and corporate finance, supply chain and brand leadership roles. Healy will also lead the revenue management team.
Healy will be supported by Susan Cline, who was promoted to group vice president, strategy & transformation on Aug. 4. Cline’s 30 years of restaurant operations experience includes frontline and managing partner roles at Outback, as well as leadership roles at Bloomin’ Brands’ restaurant support center.
Jessica Mitory will join the company on Aug. 11 as senior vice president, chief human resources officer. Mitory brings over 15 years of HR leadership across frontline operating and corporate functions, most recently with Advance Auto Parts and, prior to that, with Pepsi Beverages North America.
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 its digital capabilities. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of strategy and insights at Darden Restaurants.
As previously announced, Rafael Sanchez joined the company on June 30 as senior vice president and chief information officer. Sanchez has over 25 years of IT leadership experience spanning the restaurant, retail, hospitality and entertainment industries. Sanchez served previously as the CIO of Six Flags, CIO of Feld Entertainment and, most recently as SVP, information technology of Davidson Hospitality Group.
Randy Scruggs has been promoted to senior vice president, supply chain. Scruggs has two decades of experience in the food industry, most recently as the company’s vice president of supply chain.
Tara Kurian has been promoted to senior vice president, investor relations, FP&A, and international. Formerly vice president, corporate finance and investor relations, Kurian will take on expanded international responsibilities.
John Bettin will join the company Sept. 2 as senior vice president, president of Bonefish Grill. Bettin is a veteran hospitality executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the restaurant industry, starting as a sous chef. He previously served as CEO of Miller’s Ale House, The Palm Restaurant Group and Tavistock Restaurant Collection.
Mark Graff, current executive vice president and president of Bonefish Grill and fine dining, will depart the company Nov. 1.
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. is one of the largest casual dining restaurant companies in the world with a portfolio of brands that includes Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. The company owns, operates and franchises more than 1,450 restaurants in 46 states, Guam and 12 countries. For more information, visit www.bloominbrands.com.
SOURCE: Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.