ORLANDO Darden Restaurants Inc. said Friday that John Caron, the executive vice president of marketing for the company’s Olive Garden chain, has been promoted into the new post of chief marketing officer for Darden. The casual-dining company also announced that Paula Shives, an 11-year Darden veteran, would retire as general counsel this fall.
As chief marketing officer, Caron will report to Darden’s chief operating officer, Andrew Madsen, and direct brand strategy for the company’s chains, which include Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52.
Madsen said the new position was created to assist “stronger integration, greater innovation and accelerated growth across all of the Darden brands.”
Caron joined Olive Garden as executive vice president of marketing in April 2003 from Unilever-Best Foods North America.
Outgoing Shives, who joined Orlando-based Darden in May 1999, will retire in the fall after her successor is chosen.
“Throughout Paula's tenure with Darden, she has provided legal guidance and counsel during a period of exceptional growth and change,” Clarence Otis, Darden's chairman and chief executive, said. “She has been a great champion of diversity and has served as a powerful role model for other women in our company.”
Darden owns 1,800 full-service restaurants and has more than $7 billion in annual sales.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].