Chili’s names new marketing chiefChili’s names new marketing chief

Brinker International Inc. has named Steve Provost as chief marketing and innovation officer of Chili's Grill & Bar, the company said Wednesday.

Provost most recently served as president of Brinker’s Maggiano’s Little Italy division and succeeds Krista Gibson in the role.

He will lead Chili’s consumer insights, culinary innovation and marketing teams.

"In looking for the right leader for our Chili's culinary and marketing teams, we were fortunate to reach within Brinker's talented senior leadership team," said Kelli Valade, Chili’s president, in a statement. 

"I've had the pleasure of working alongside Steve for the past eight years,” Valade said. “His tenure as a BrinkerHead, coupled with his thorough understanding, experience and love of marketing, made it an easy decision for him to lead our Chili's marketing and innovation efforts." 

Provost joined the Brinker family in 2009 as senior vice president of marketing for Maggiano's and later that year was named brand president. Prior to Brinker, Provost held various leadership positions at Quiznos, KFC, Long John Silver’s and A&W. 

As Provost transitions into his Chili’s role, the company said Maggiano’s will be led by Genifer Gray, who has been promoted to chief operations officer, and Larry Konecny, who has been promoted to chief concept officer.

Gray and Konecny have held various leadership positions within Maggiano’s over the past 15 years and they most recently oversaw the development and launch of the brand’s menu.

Brinker has 1,606 Chili’s and 52 Maggiano’s restaurants. 

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