Red Lobster has named Nichole Robillard its new chief marketing officer two days after it announced its new chief financial officer.
In addition to overseeing the casual-dining seafood chain’s marketing and communications teams, Robillard will also be in charge of its culinary team and will report directly to chief executive officer Damola Adamolekun.
Most recently, Robillard was CMO of Smokey Bones, where she worked for nearly four years. Prior to that, she was an independent marketing consultant.
Her LinkedIn profile also lists experience at marketing agency Team Enterprises and Zimmerman Advertising.
According to the press release announcing her appointment, she also has restaurant operations experience, having opened a farm-to-table restaurant in Washington, D.C., early in her career
"Nichole's ability to blend creative vision with operational expertise makes her the perfect leader for this role," Adamolekun said in a statement. "As we look to reconnect with longtime guests and reach new audiences, Nichole's leadership will help us remind the world what they love about Red Lobster and invite them to experience it again. I am confident that with her guidance, we will achieve these goals and strengthen our position in the industry."
Adamolekun, who was hired by RL Investor Holdings, the company led by Fortress Investment Group that bought Orlando-based Red Lobster out of bankruptcy in September, is working to rebuild the chain, now down to 545 locations after months of restructuring, following years of declining traffic and sales.
Robillard earned a bachelor’s degree in English communication arts at Villanova University outside of Philadelphia and a masters of business administration from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
