Delta exec lands top role at Bloomin' Brands
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. has a new incoming chief executive.
The parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has announced that Michael L. “Mike” Spanos has been appointed CEO of the company.
Spanos will begin his new role at the company’s headquarters Tampa on Sept. 3, 2024. Former CEO David Deno announced on May 7, 2024 his planned retirement as CEO and from the board of directors. He will serve in a transitional role until Dec. 31, 2024.
Spanos joins the company from Delta Air Lines where he served as executive VP and chief operating officer and led the global operations/customer experience team of 90,000 employees since June of 2023. He is also a non-executive director at convenience chain Casey’s General Store where he is a member of the audit committee.
“We have found an ideal strategist, operations and cultural leader in Mike,” said Michael Mohan, chairman of the board for Bloomin’ Brands. “Our board believes that his experience operating complex, multi-unit businesses will benefit our iconic, founder-inspired brands. He has a customer-first mindset for leading established organizations through challenging environments. We look forward to his contributions to Bloomin’ Brands.”
Prior to his time at Delta, Spanos led Six Flags Entertainment as CEO and president for two years, and spent more than 25 years at PepsiCo and the Pepsi Bottling Group in various positions including president, Greater China, CEO of Asia Middle East and North Africa sector, and chief customer officer of North American Beverages.
“It is a privilege to be part of the Bloomin’ Brands team,” said Spanos. “We have such a classic set of heritage brands that my family and I have enjoyed over many years. I am excited to work together with our Team Members to deliver an outstanding guest experience. I thank David Deno for his leadership of our people and look forward to a smooth transition.”
Deno joined Bloomin’ Brands in 2012 as executive VP and CFO, coming from Best Buy where he served as president of Asia and CFO for the international division. He also spent 15 years with Pizza Hut and YUM! Brands serving as CFO for Pizza Hut.
“On behalf of the board, I thank David Deno for his leadership for the past 12 years, including the past five as CEO,” added Mohan. “He leaves the company with a strengthened financial foundation, a strong balance sheet and a leadership team dedicated to delivering long-term sustainable growth to our shareholders.”
Bloomin’ Brands owns and operates more than 1,450 restaurants in 46 states, Guam and 13 countries, some of which are franchise locations.
