Cheesecake Factory appoints presidentCheesecake Factory appoints president

Lisa Jennings

CALABASAS HILLS Calif. The Cheesecake Factory Inc. named Michael Jannini president and announced two other key executive appointments Wednesday.

The Calabasas Hills-based casual-dining operator also promoted David Gordon to the position of chief operating officer, and Dina Barmasse-Gray to the role of senior vice president of human resources.

Jannini comes to The Cheesecake Factory Inc. after more than 20 years with Marriott International Inc., where he most recently served as executive vice president and general manager of global brand strategy and innovation.

The Cheesecake Factory has not had a corporate president since Russ Bendel held the title of restaurant division president and chief operating officer for the namesake brand two years ago. Bendel stepped down in 2008 to become president and chief executive of The Habit Burger Grill, based in Santa Barbara, Calif.

In his new role, Jannini will be responsible for leading the company’s restaurant operations, marketing, purchasing, quality assurance and guest experience departments, The Cheesecake Factory said.

Gordon, a 17-year-veteran of the company, was previously senior vice president of operations for The Cheesecake Factory brand restaurants. In his new role, he will lead operations for the namesake brand, as well as Grand Lux Cafe.

Barmasse-Gray joined the company three years ago as vice president of talent. She is now responsible for all human resources functions, including talent, performance development and training, leadership development, staff relations and compensation and benefits.

The Cheesecake Factory operates 147 restaurants under the namesake brand, as well as 13 Grand Lux Cafes and one RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].