Brinker International Inc., parent the Chili’s Grill & Bar brand, named Mika Ware as chief financial officer to succeed Joe Taylor, who will retire at the end of the fiscal year, and Chris Caldwell as chief information officer, the company said Monday.
The Dallas-based Brinker, which also owns the Maggiano’s Little Italy casual-dining chain and the virtual Its Just Wings, said Taylor’s retirement will be effective June 27. Caldwell’s appointment was effective Feb. 26.
"I am truly grateful for Joe's strategic leadership, accomplishments, and the finance team he has established and coached,” said Kevin Hochman, Brinker CEO, in a statement. “He leaves us in an exceptionally strong position to create long-term growth, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”
With Chili's since 1988, Ware, the company’s current vice president of finance, investor relations and restaurant development, will assume the CFO role upon Taylor's departure. Taylor will continue to serve in a senior advisory role through August 2024 as part of the company's succession plan.
Ware started with Brinker in 1988 as a restaurant host and earned her finance degree while working in the restaurants.
"After a comprehensive search for Joe's replacement, it became clear the most outstanding candidate was already part of our organization," Hochman said. "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 led technology teams at Yum! Brands for 27 years, 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," Hochman said. "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.”
Brinker International, founded in 1975, owns, operates or franchises more than 1,600 restaurants in 30 countries and two U.S. territories.
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