Brinker International Inc. chief financial officer Tom Edwards has resigned, effective April 7, and accepted a role outside the restaurant industry, the company said Tuesday.
The Dallas-based parent to the Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy chains said Joe Taylor, vice president for investor relations and treasurer, and a 17-year Brinker veteran, would serve as interim CFO until a permanent successor is named. A search for Edwards' replacement is underway, the company said.
"Tom has been an invaluable member of our management team, and we thank him for his many contributions to Brinker," said Wyman Roberts, Brinker president and CEO, in a statement.
"We are confident that with our strategic initiatives, experienced leadership team and Joe's deep knowledge of the company, we will continue to successfully execute against our long-term plans and drive value to our shareholders,” he said.
Edwards, who will relocate to be closer to his family, had served as Brinker’s CFO since March 2015. He previously served as CFO at the Wyndham Hotel Group.
"I am grateful for the opportunities I had at Brinker and the chance to work with one of the most dedicated and driven leadership teams in the business,” Edwards said in a statement.
As of Dec. 28, Brinker owned, operated and franchised 1,658 casual-dining restaurants, including 1,606 Chili’s locations and 52 Maggiano's units.
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