Gene Lee named interim CEO of Darden
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Orlando Business Journal] By Anjali Fluker - October 15, 2014 -
Darden Restaurants Inc. is still on the lookout for a new top executive — but President and Chief Operating Officer Gene Lee was named to the position in the interim, someone who has been running the show as of late for the Orlando restaurant company.
Lee, a 30-year restaurant industry veteran, came to Darden seven years ago through the firm's acquisition of Atlanta-based Rare Hospitality International Inc., the former parent company of LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille. When former chief operating officer Drew Madsen announced his retirement in September 2013, Lee was named as his successor.
In recent months, Lee also has stepped into a bigger leadership role, starting with when former Chairman and CEO Clarence Otis Jr. announced his retirement in July. He even ran the annual shareholders' meeting on Oct. 10.
Stephen Anderson, an analyst, said, "For Gene Lee to stay on provides some continuity for Darden."
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