BRINKER INTERNATIONAL PROMOTES AARON WHITE TO EVP, BRINKER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

Rhea-AI Summary

Brinker International (NYSE: EAT) has promoted Aaron White to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer for Chili's and Maggiano's Little Italy brands. White, a 29-year veteran who started as a Chili's server, will oversee Operations strategy and PeopleWorks across the organization.

Previously serving as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, and before that as Chili's Co-Chief Operating Officer for eastern U.S. locations, White has been instrumental in the company's turnaround through operational simplification and culture enhancement. Her leadership has focused on improving efficiency and strengthening the ChiliHead culture. In April 2025, she was recognized on the Nation's Restaurant News Power List: Women in Foodservice.

Positive

• Promotion of an experienced 29-year company veteran with proven track record
• Strong operational background combining both operations and people management expertise
• Demonstrated success in company's turnaround through simplification and efficiency improvements
• Recognition in Nation's Restaurant News Power List: Women in Foodservice

Negative

• None.

White continues her legacy of impact with an expanded role to lead operations

DALLAS, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) today announced the promotion of longtime Brinker leader Aaron White to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer for the company's restaurant brands, Chili's^® Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy^®.

In this expanded role, she will oversee both Operations strategy and PeopleWorks across the Restaurant Support Center, Chili's and Maggiano's, with her leadership team focused on driving the company's next level of operational improvements to improve the team member and guest experience.

White began her Brinker career 29 years ago as a Chili's server and bartender and has most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. Aaron has a track record of significant results in her almost three decades in Operations and PeopleWorks roles. Prior to her role as Brinker CPO, she was Chili's Co-Chief Operating Officer, supporting the brand's eastern U.S. locations. Aaron's teams have delivered huge results in the company's turnaround through simplification, redesigning work processes to be more efficient, and reawakening the ChiliHead culture that has been a key to Chili's success for the brand's 50 years.

"Aaron has earned deep respect across the organization for her ability to strategize, get things done, bring people together, and elevate our culture. She's the kind of leader who both delivers results and does it in the right way that is both sustainable and culture-building," said Brinker CEO and President Kevin Hochman. "As we look toward our future growth and continue our simplification journey in our restaurants, Aaron will lead her team with deep expertise to ensure our operators' jobs are easier, more fun, and more rewarding and the Guest experience remains top of mind."

In April 2025, she was named to the Nation's Restaurant News Power List: Women in Foodservice for her significant role in shaping the company's culture and driving organizational change. 

White will continue reporting to Brinker CEO and President Kevin Hochman.

About Brinker International
Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) is one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies and proud home to two beloved brands: Chili's^® Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy^®. Since opening our first Chili's in Dallas in 1975, we've grown to own, operate or franchise more than 1,600 restaurants across 29 countries and two U.S. territories – serving bold flavors, handcrafted drinks, and genuine hospitality along the way. At Brinker, our purpose is simple: to make everyone feel special – whether you're catching up over sizzling fajitas, enjoying Italian favorites with family, grabbing takeout for a cozy night in, or a team member creating a memorable moment for a guest. Learn more about our brands, our culture, and our people at brinker.com.

 

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FAQ

Who is Aaron White and what is her new role at Brinker International (EAT)?

Aaron White is the newly promoted Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer at Brinker International, overseeing operations and PeopleWorks for Chili's and Maggiano's brands. She's a 29-year company veteran who started as a Chili's server.

What experience does Aaron White bring to her new position at Brinker (EAT)?

White brings 29 years of experience at Brinker, including roles as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, and Chili's Co-Chief Operating Officer for eastern U.S. locations. She has demonstrated success in operational improvements and culture enhancement.

What achievements has Aaron White accomplished at Brinker International (EAT)?

White has contributed to Brinker's turnaround through operational simplification, efficiency improvements, and strengthening the ChiliHead culture. She was named to the Nation's Restaurant News Power List: Women in Foodservice in April 2025.

What will be Aaron White's responsibilities as COO and CPO of Brinker (EAT)?

White will oversee both Operations strategy and PeopleWorks across the Restaurant Support Center, Chili's, and Maggiano's, focusing on operational improvements to enhance team member and guest experience.