Brinker International Inc. announced updates to its executive leadership team, including the retirement of Joe Taylor, EVP, the appointment of Mika Ware as SVP and Chief Financial Officer, effective June 27, 2024, and the appointment of Chris Caldwell as SVP effective February 26, 2024. Chief Financial Officer Joe Taylor has informed the Company of his intention to retire at the end of the company's fiscal year in June 2024 after almost 25 years at the company. He will continue to serve the company in a senior advisory role through August 2024 as part of the company's succession plan.

Holding various leadership roles in finance, corporate affairs and communications, Taylor significantly contributed to the Company's growth, as well as served in industry leadership on the board of directors for the National Restaurant Association and as a trustee for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. As CFO, Taylor has been instrumental in executing the company's capital allocation strategy and several acquisitions of largest domestic franchisee operations. His calm and solution-focused approach leadership was critical to Brinker's success during the company's navigation of COVID-19, he has been a trusted advisor to leaders throughout the business and has developed an industry-leading finance team at Brinker.

Demonstrating the strength and talent within Brinker's finance team, current VP of Finance, Investor Relations, and Restaurant Development Mika Ware has been appointed SVP, Chief Financial Officer, and will assume the role upon Taylor's departure at the beginning of fiscal year 2025 on June 27, 2024. Ware started her Brinker journey in 1988 as a Chili's host and earned her finance degree while working at Chili's. Over the years, she's held finance and IR roles of increasing responsibility at the Company and is an expert in Brinker's business, brands, and the finance organization. Chris Caldwell also joins the company as SVP and Chief Information Officer, effective February 26, 2024.

Caldwell is a world-class leader with an impressive background across all functions of IT. He spent 27 years leading technology teams at Yum! Brands, most recently serving for a decade in the role of Chief Technology Officer at KFC, where he helped build a leading technology team, robust tech platforms and an amazing culture.

As Brinker's CIO, Caldwell will lead the IT team and accelerate its progress against the company's ambitious technology roadmap.