Dallas — Brinker International Inc. is making updates to its executive leadership team, including the retirement of Joe Taylor, executive vice president and chief financial officer; the appointment of Mika Ware as senior vice president and chief financial officer, effective June 27, 2024; and the appointment of Chris Caldwell as senior vice president and chief information officer, effective Feb. 26, 2024.
Taylor intends to retire at the end of the company’s fiscal year in June 2024 after almost 25 years at the company. He will continue to serve the company in a senior advisory role through August 2024 as part of the company’s succession plan.
“I am truly grateful for Joe’s strategic leadership, accomplishments and the finance team he has established and coached. He leaves us in an exceptionally strong position to create long term growth, and we wish him all the best in his retirement,” says Kevin Hochman, CEO of Brinker. “His service as an industry leader and impact as a trusted mentor will live on for years to come.”
Brinker’s current vice president of finance, investor relations and restaurant development, Mika Ware has been appointed senior vice president, chief financial officer, and will assume the role upon Taylor’s departure at the beginning of fiscal year 2025 on June 27, 2024. Ware started her Brinker journey in 1988 as a Chili’s host and earned her finance degree while working at Chili’s. Over the years, she’s held finance and IR roles of increasing responsibility at the company.
“After a comprehensive search for Joe’s replacement, it became clear the most outstanding candidate was already part of our organization,” says Hochman. “Mika has excelled in every role at Brinker in her 35 years, both in the restaurants and in Brinker leadership. She has an incredible understanding of our key financial disciplines, opportunities and operations, which made her the perfect choice for CFO to lead us in our next chapter of profitable, sustainable growth.”
Caldwell joins the company as senior vice president and chief information officer, effective Feb. 26, 2024. He spent 27 years leading technology teams at Yum! Brands, most recently serving for a decade in the role of chief technology officer at KFC.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Chris to the Brinker team,” says Hochman. “He has a consistent track record of results and has successfully led a multi-unit restaurant digital transformation similar to what we are undergoing here at Brinker.”
Brinker International, Inc. is one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies and home of Chili’s® Grill & Bar, Maggiano’s Little Italy® and a virtual brand: It’s Just Wings®. Founded in 1975 in Dallas, Brinker owns, operates or franchises more than 1,600 restaurants in 30 countries and two U.S. territories. For more information, visit www.brinker.com.
SOURCE: Brinker International Payroll Company, L.P.