P.F. Chang's veterans join Red Lobster C-suite
Red Lobster is adding new faces to its leadership team from within the restaurant industry.
The casual seafood restaurant has appointed Brad Hill as chief financial officer and executive VP of transformation, and Kristen Briede as chief global development officer. Red Lobster says the leadership changes reflect its commitment to “strengthening its operational foundation, enhancing agility, and delivering an improved experience for guests.”
Hill joins Red Lobster from P.F. Chang’s, where he served in a number of roles over a nearly nine-year period. He served as CEO of the Asian-inspired dining chain from April to September of 2025, and previously served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer before that.
As chief financial officer and executive VP of transformation, Hill will lead Red Lobster's finance organization, oversee planning, forecasting and stakeholder reporting, He will also lead the company's strategic real estate efforts, from negotiations through economic analysis and deal execution. Hill succeeds Bob Baker, who has departed the company after a year and a half.
Briede joins Red Lobster from fast-casual burger chain Steak ‘n Shake, where she served as chief development officer. She previously spent more than 15 years at P.F. Chang’s, and recently served as VP of international & global brands.
As chief global development officer, Briede will lead Red Lobster's asset‑light growth and brand development agenda, including domestic and international franchising, travel and airport formats, and strategic partnerships, retail and licensing opportunities.
Both Hill and Briede will report to Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun, who was tapped to lead the chain in 2024 after previously serving as CEO of P.F. Chang’s for nearly five years. He was appointed after Red Lobster's Chapter 11 restructuring and acquisition by RL Investor Holdings LLC.
"Red Lobster has made significant progress coming out of a challenging period, and we're now shifting from stabilization to a disciplined, execution-led growth phase focused on optimizing the guest experience, driving operational excellence, accelerating real estate optimization and building a stronger platform for durable growth," said Adamolekun. "Brad and Kristen are proven, high-impact leaders. Brad brings the operational finance leadership and transformation mindset to drive outcomes, and Kristen brings deep experience building best-in-class franchise, partnership and retail brand development engines. I'm excited to welcome them both to Red Lobster."
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Headquartered in Orlando, Red Lobster operates more than 500 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
