Restaurant industry veteran Kelli Valade has been named Red Lobster’s new CEO, after current CEO Kim Lopdrup announced his retirement last month.
Valade, former president and CEO of Black Box Intelligence and brand president of Chili's Grill and Bar, owned by Brinker International, will take on her new role on 2 August.
"When I announced my plan to retire, I promised our people we would recruit an outstanding new CEO to lead Red Lobster to even greater success over the next generation, and I absolutely believe Kelli is that person," Lopdrup said in a press release. "Her experience and deep industry insights coupled with her integrity and commitment to fostering a purpose-driven culture are the perfect fit as we begin this new chapter. I have never been more excited about Red Lobster's future."
Lopdrup, who has led Red Lobster for 14 years, said in late June that Orlando, Florida-based Red Lobster is well-positioned for the transition.
"The pandemic is finally winding down, and Red Lobster has emerged with the best menu we've ever had, vastly improved off-premise systems, a stronger business model and over 10 million members in our award-winning loyalty program …We have great initiatives in the pipeline and a terrific leadership team in place,” Lopdrup said.
While at Brinker, Valade also served as chief operating officer and senior vice president of human resources.
"Red Lobster has incredible people and an amazing culture in place, along with a solid business model and a strong foundation as an iconic and differentiated brand,” Valade said. “My job as the brand's new leader is to inspire and develop our people while also leveraging the brand's strengths and finding ways to build on them for even greater success. I am looking forward to a very bright future together."
Valade serves on the boards of the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) and Seasoned, as well as on the executive committee of the board of the Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF).
Photo courtesy of Red Lobster
