Tampa, Fla. — Kelia Bazile has been promoted to president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill where she will be responsible for leading the operations and development for more than 190 Carrabba’s locations. Carrabba’s offers authentic Italian cuisine and is one of four brands in the Bloomin’ Brands portfolio. “Kelia has a proven track record of creating and maintaining high executional standards that drive sales and a warm guest experience,” says Mike Spanos, CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. “She builds strong teams with a hospitality-first mindset and is a true servant leader.” …
people
Atlanta — NCR Voyix Corporation, a leading global provider of digital commerce solutions, has promoted Darren Wilson to executive vice president and president, retail and payments, effective immediately. He previously served as executive vice president and president, international. “Darren is a proven, growth-oriented leader and trusted colleague who has already added tremendous benefit since joining NCR Voyix last year,” says James G. Kelly, president and CEO, NCR Voyix. “I look forward to working with Darren as we continue to drive enhanced value for our existing base of retail customers and …
Philadelphia — In 2024, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened 39 new locations, including 10 international shops, for a total of 575 operating units. The company continued its rapid growth in existing markets while expanding its reach in the Midwest, Michigan, Ohio and Texas, among other states. The company has also made two key recent hires. “We are committed to driving growth and expansion across key markets, enhancing our product offerings through innovative design and development, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to further elevate the customer experience,” says CEO Linda …
San Francisco — Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) has made a series of strategic leadership changes designed to improve the company’s speed and agility, and further its commitment to consumers. These actions will streamline decision-making, drive operational excellence and align the company’s structure with its strategic priorities. “Over the past year, we’ve made bold moves to transform Levi Strauss & Co. into a world-class denim lifestyle retailer, and we’re seeing the results,” says Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “We believe success is built on clarity …
Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe® evolves its leadership team as it continues to drive operational excellence and expansion. The company has appointed Jonathan Biggs as chief operating officer (COO) and has promoted Chris Sasser to chief financial officer (CFO) and Karen Wickliffe to general counsel (GC). Biggs joins Tropical Smoothie Cafe from Baskin-Robbins, where he served as brand head, overseeing operations across the United States. With over a decade of experience in field and global operations, he has a proven track record of driving restaurant profitability through technology and operational …
New York City — Macy’s Inc. has promoted Barbie Cameron to chief stores officer of Macy’s, effective Feb. 16. She most recently served as the senior vice president and regional director of stores, East Region, and had been the interim chief stores officer since August. She reports to Adrian Mitchell, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Macy’s, Inc. In this role, Cameron leads the store operations across Macy’s nameplate, from flagships to small format stores and its call center operations. She will spearhead initiatives to modernize Macy’s, improve …
Reynoldsburg, Ohio — Victoria’s Secret & Co. (VS&Co) has announced that its chief financial and administrative officer, Timothy (TJ) Johnson, is retiring in June 2025. Scott Sekella has been appointed chief financial officer. “We are excited to welcome Scott to VS&Co,” says Hillary Super, chief executive officer of VS&Co. “He is a transformational leader with extensive and diverse retail experience delivering results, driving operational efficiencies and executing growth strategies. He has a strong retail background and record of identifying and accelerating strategies that strengthen performance and enhance profitability which I …
Pasadena, Calif. — Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar®, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® and IHOP®, has announced that Tony Moralejo (pictured here) will step down as Applebee’s president, effective March 4, 2025, and will serve as an advisor to the company through June 4, 2025. John Peyton, CEO, Dine Brands, will assume the role of interim president of Applebee’s while continuing in his current capacity. “Tony and I share a deep respect for the DNA of Applebee’s and we are all grateful for his …
St. Louis — Caleres, a market-leading portfolio of consumer-driven footwear brands, has hired Brian Costello to join Famous Footwear as chief merchandising officer. In this role, he will oversee all buying and merchandising for the brand’s U.S. and Canada stores and e-commerce sites. “Brian has a long track record of exceptional fashion and footwear industry leadership,” says Mike Edwards, president of Famous Footwear. “With expertise in merchandising and planning for both footwear and ready-to-wear, I’m confident he will help drive growth and achieve our ambitions at Famous Footwear.” Costello has …
Port Washington, N.Y. — WAC Group, which creates superior lighting solutions to appeal to all patrons of independent retail shops, chains and shopping centers, has named Keith Eagle as its new vice president of business development. “Keith is an outstanding addition to our dynamic sales team and will lead the development of our sales strategy, further strengthening our position in the industry,” says Becky Li, president of WAC Group. “With his extensive experience in sales leadership and a proven track record of success, we are confident he will be a …