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Brinker promotes Guy Constant to CFOBrinker promotes Guy Constant to CFO

He replaces company veteran Charles M. Sonsteby

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

September 17, 2010

1 Min Read
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Ron Ruggless

Brinker International Inc. has named Guy Constant chief financial officer to replace Charles M. Sonsteby, who is resigning Oct. 1.

Constant, 45, who joined Brinker in 2004 and now serves as senior vice president of finance for its flagship Chili’s Grill & Bar chain, will become an executive vice president as well as CFO, the Dallas-based company said late Thursday.

Sonsteby, 57, a 20-year Brinker veteran and its CFO since 2001, is leaving to become chief financial and administrative officer at hobby retailer Michaels Stores Inc.

"Chuck is a highly respected leader in the global financial community as well as a valuable member of our top management team, a strong partner and a great friend," Doug Brooks, Brinker's president and chief executive, said in a statement. “Our company's financial standing and internal governance processes have been greatly strengthened under his management.”

In addition to operating or franchising more than 1,500 Chili’s units, Brinker owns more than 40 Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurants. It also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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