Darden Restaurants, Inc. Welcomes Juliana Chugg to Its Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) has appointed Juliana Chugg to its Board of Directors, expanding the Board from eight to nine members. Chugg brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Chief Brand Officer at Mattel, where she managed brands generating $6 billion in revenue. She also held leadership positions at General Mills. Darden's Chairman, Gene Lee, expressed confidence in her ability to contribute to the company's growth and brand loyalty.

Positive

• Juliana Chugg's appointment is expected to enhance brand-building strategies.
• Her extensive leadership experience may strengthen Darden's competitive position.

Negative

• Concerns about potential gaps in continuity due to a new board member.
• Experience levels of existing board members may be diversified.

ORLANDO, Fla., March 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI) announces that the Board of Directors has appointed Juliana Chugg as its newest member, effective immediately. With her appointment, the Company increased the size of the Board from eight to nine members.

"Juliana's vast expertise in brand-building, coupled with her extensive leadership experience at large organizations, make her a strong addition for our Board," said Gene Lee, Chairman and CEO of Darden Restaurants. "She will be a great resource as we continue to grow and improve our business."

"Darden includes some of the most renowned brands in full-service dining," said Chugg, following her election to the Board. "I look forward to serving on the Board and working with my fellow members to build on Darden's success and its legacy of brand loyalty."

Chugg, age 54, previously served as the Chief Brand Officer for Mattel, Inc. from 2015 to 2018 leading a portfolio of iconic brands amounting to $6 billion in global revenue, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™ and more. Before her time with Mattel, Chugg served as Senior Vice President and President for the Pillsbury and Meals divisions at General Mills, capping a long-standing career with the company that began in 1996.

Currently, Chugg is also a member of the Board of Directors for VF Corporation, a global apparel and footwear company, and Pressed Juicery, a private producer and seller of cold-pressed fruit juices and cleanses.

About Darden Restaurants 

Darden is a restaurant company featuring a portfolio of differentiated brands that include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V's. For more information, please visit www.darden.com. 

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SOURCE Darden Restaurants, Inc.: General

FAQ

Who is Juliana Chugg and what is her background?

Juliana Chugg is the newly appointed Board member of Darden Restaurants, previously serving as Chief Brand Officer at Mattel and holding leadership roles at General Mills.

What impact will Juliana Chugg's appointment have on Darden Restaurants?

Chugg's vast expertise in brand-building is expected to enhance Darden's growth strategies and brand loyalty.

When was Juliana Chugg appointed to the Board of Darden Restaurants?

Juliana Chugg was appointed to the Board of Directors on March 22, 2022.

How many members are on the Darden Restaurants Board of Directors after the appointment?

With Chugg's appointment, the Darden Restaurants Board has increased from eight to nine members.