Darden Restaurants Inc. on Wednesday named Teresa Mosley Sebastian as general counsel and secretary, succeeding Paula Shives, who is retiring.
Sesbastian will report to Clarence Otis, Darden’s chairman and chief executive, and as senior vice president will serve as a member of his executive team. Sebastian will join Orlando, Fla.-based Darden on Oct. 8.
Sebastian most recently served as vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Veyance Technologies Inc., a $1.8 billion manufacturer of industrial rubber products based in Fairlawn, Ohio.
"Teresa is a highly talented leader with a keen understanding of how business and legal issues intersect," Otis said in a statement. "Her strong management experience, coupled with her business, financial and legal acumen, make her a valuable asset to our leadership team.”
Shives, who has served as Darden’s general counsel since May 1999, will remain at the company until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. Otis added, "Paula has been a great asset to Darden over the years, and we wish her well as she moves on to the next chapter in her life.”
Darden Restaurants Inc. owns 1,800 casual-dining restaurants, with more than $7 billion in annual sales, under the brands Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
