Longtime leader at Outback Steakhouse parent steps down as board chair
February 13, 2020 - Bloomin' Brands (Nasdaq: BLMN), the Tampa-based parent of Outback Steakhouse and other restaurant brands, is shaking up its leadership. Liz Smith, who was CEO until last year, will step down from her role as executive chairman of the board, effective March 6, a regulatory filing said. She will continue to serve as a director. James Craigie, who has been the lead independent director, will become chairman of the board. In addition, Gregg Scarlett, the president of Outback Steakhouse, has been named Bloomin' Brands executive vice president, chief operating officer, casual dining restaurants, as part of a plan to improve efficiency and leverage scale. Scarlett will oversee the company’s domestic Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill concepts. Jeff Carcara and Michael Kappitt, executive vice presidents of Bonefish and Carrabba’s, respectively, departed the company effective Feb. 13.