Chief Financial Officer Joe Taylor to Retire at the End of Fiscal
2024
Mika Ware to
Succeed as Chief Financial Officer in Fiscal 2025
Chris Caldwell Appointed Chief Information
Officer
DALLAS, Feb. 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brinker International Inc.
(NYSE: EAT) today announced updates to its executive leadership
team, including the retirement of Joe
Taylor, EVP and Chief Financial Officer, the appointment of
Mika Ware as SVP and Chief Financial
Officer, effective June 27, 2024, and
the appointment of Chris Caldwell as
SVP and Chief Information Officer, effective Feb. 26, 2024.
Chief Financial Officer Joe
Taylor has informed the Company of his intention 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. Holding various leadership roles in
finance, corporate affairs and communications, Taylor significantly
contributed to the Company's growth, as well as served in industry
leadership on the board of directors for the National Restaurant
Association and as a trustee for the National Restaurant
Association Educational Foundation. As CFO, Taylor has been
instrumental in executing the company's capital allocation strategy
and several acquisitions of our largest domestic franchisee
operations. His calm and solution-focused approach leadership was
critical to Brinker's success during the company's navigation of
COVID-19, he has been a trusted advisor to leaders throughout the
business and has developed an industry-leading finance team at
Brinker.
"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,"
said Kevin Hochman, Brinker CEO.
"His service as an industry leader and impact as a trusted mentor
will live on for years to come."
Demonstrating the strength and talent within Brinker's finance
team, current VP of Finance, Investor Relations, and Restaurant
Development Mika Ware has been appointed SVP, 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 and is an expert in
Brinker's business, brands, and the finance organization.
"After a comprehensive search for Joe's replacement, it became
clear the most outstanding candidate was already part of our
organization," said 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."
Chris Caldwell also joins the
company as SVP and Chief Information Officer, effective
February 26, 2024. Caldwell is a
world-class leader with an impressive background across all
functions of IT. 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, where he helped build a leading
technology team, robust tech platforms and an amazing culture. As
Brinker's CIO, Caldwell will lead the IT team and accelerate its
progress against the company's ambitious technology roadmap.
"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Chris to the Brinker
team," said 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.
I'm confident Chris will successfully accelerate our technology
strategy to remove friction for both Guests and Team Members and
move the needle on profitable growth."
About Brinker International, Inc.
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, Texas,
we've ventured far from home, but stayed true to our roots. Brinker
owns, operates or franchises more than 1,600 restaurants in 30
countries and two U.S. territories. Our passion is making people
feel special, and we hope you feel that passion each time you visit
one of our restaurants or invite us into your home through takeout
or delivery. Learn more about Brinker and its brands
at brinker.com.
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SOURCE Brinker International Payroll Company, L.P.