DALLAS Doug Brooks, the president, chief executive and chairman of Brinker International Inc., has been honored with the Legacy Award by the human resources research firm People Report, officials said Monday.
The award recognizes leaders who have exemplified a dedication to best practices through a servant leadership model, while balancing people and profits, throughout their career. Brooks received the award at the recent People Report 2009 Best Practices Conference in Dallas, where Brinker is also based.
Brooks was described by People Report as a passionate philanthropist who has united restaurant team members and guests across the country in supporting non-profit groups such as the pediatric cancer medical facility St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the breast-cancer awareness group Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“This year, we’re proud to honor Doug Brooks, who has visibly modeled servant leadership through his dedication to corporate social responsibility,” Joni Doolin, founder and chief executive of People Report, said in a statement. “The legendary support of their brand charitable partners and Doug’s very personal crusade with Limbs for Life Foundation are vibrant examples of philanthropy moving beyond corporate donations and elite executive events to include every team member in the system, along with their guests and local communities.”
Previous winners of the Legacy Award include industry veterans such as Joe Lee, retired chairman of Darden Restaurants; and Lloyd Hill and Lou Kaucic, retired chief executive and chief people officer, respectively, of Applebee’s International.
Brinker operates or franchises nearly 1,700 restaurants under brands that include Chili’s Grill & Bar, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, and Maggiano’s Little Italy.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
