OSI picks Avon exec to be CEO

TAMPA Fla. OSI Restaurant Partners LLC, parent to Outback Steakhouse and several other casual-dining brands, has named Elizabeth Smith as chief executive.

Smith, who will assume the post Nov. 16, succeeds Bill Allen, who is retiring as CEO and will become chairman, OSI said Tuesday.

Smith, 46, most recently was president at cosmetics company Avon Products Inc., where she has worked for five years. Prior to Avon, Smith worked 14 years at Kraft Foods I