Elizabeth Smith stepping down as Bloomin’ Brands chairmanElizabeth Smith stepping down as Bloomin’ Brands chairman

Bloomin’ Brands announced numerous executive changes on Thursday. Elizabeth Smith is stepping down as executive chairman of the board effective March 6, 2020. She will continue to serve on the board, according to a company spokesperson. 

The Tampa, Fla.-based company also announced that Gregg Scarlett, president of Outback Steakhouse, has been named the executive vice president, chief operating officer, casual dining restaurants. This move is part of a restructuring of the company’s casual dining brands, which include Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill and Carrabba’s Italian Grill. In connection with this restructuring, Jeff Carcara and Michael Kappitt, EVP of Bonefish Grill and Carrabba’s Italian Grill, respectively, will be departing from the company effective Feb. 13, 2020.

Smith has served as executive chairman since April 2019. Before that, she was CEO of the company starting in 2009. Smith was a NRN Golden Chain and Power List winner. 

According to the company’s SEC filing,  Scarlett’s appointment “is part of the company’s consolidation of the leadership and organizational structure at its casual dining brands as part of a plan to improve efficiency and leverage scale as the Company continues to grow these brands."

In November, David Deno, CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, said the company was considering “strategic alternatives” including a possible sale.

Related:Elizabeth Smith preserves Bloomin' Brands' culture while helping the company adapt and evolve

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Update, Feb. 13, 2020: The article has been updated to note that Smith will continue to serve on the board of Bloomin' Brands.