Darden Restaurants names interim CEO as permanent chief exec

Orlando, Fla. - Darden Restaurants Inc. has appointed current interim CEO Eugene I. Lee Jr. as CEO and director, effective immediately. Lee brings more than 30 years of restaurant operating experience to the role, which ranges from early stage high-growth concepts to large high volume chains.



Prior to his appointment as interim CEO, Lee served as president and COO of the company for one year, and prior to that as president of the company's Specialty Restaurant Group (SRG) for six years. Lee joined Darden in 2007 as part of its acquisition of RARE Hospitality International, where Lee served as president and COO.



Since a CEO has now been chosen, the company will turn to its search for the next CFO to succeed current CFO C. Bradford Richmond upon his retirement, which will include both external and internal candidates.