Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. has named Darla Morse executive vice president and chief information officer, replacing Dean Cookson, who resigned abruptly last summer.
Morse will take on her new role, overseeing digital platforms, corporate and restaurant systems, data management, security and infrastructure, effective April 12.
Most recently, Morse was CIO of CKE Restaurant Holdings, parent company of quick-service chains Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. She joined that post from another Roark Capital subsidiary, Inspire Brands, where she oversaw the technology strategy for Arby’s Buffalo Wild Wings and Sonic Drive-In.
She also has held senior information technology roles at Walt Disney World and SeaWorld and brings more than 25 years of IT experience to Red Robin, the Greenwood Village, Colo.-based company said in a press release.
“We are thrilled to welcome Darla as our CIO,” Red Robin president and CEO Paul Murphy said in the release. “She brings to Red Robin significant experience enabling business strategies through technology solutions that elevate guest engagement, operational execution and brand affinity. Her strong track record in the restaurant and entertainment industries will help accelerate our transformation strategy and related technology evolution. We believe she is a great fit for our Company as we position our brand for sustained, profitable growth."
Morse has a masters of business administration degree from Webster University in St. Louis.
Red Robin is a casual-dining burger chain with more than 500 locations.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter: @foodwriterdiary