Chili’s and Maggiano’s owner Brinker International has hired a KFC supply chain expert as its new chief supply chain officer.
James Butler was previously SVP, KFC supply chain for Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, where he led supply chain management for the chicken chain and other restaurant brands.
He and Brinker CEO Kevin Hochman likely know one another from Hochman’s former job as president of KFC.
Butler replaces Charlie Lousignont, who had been with Brinker since 2014. The company announced his departure in December.
"I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and work with the Brinker teams on exciting new initiatives to help transform supply chain and procurement strategies that will drive growth, impact the bottom line and maintain operational excellence," Butler said in a statement.
He’s at least the third new Brinker executive that Hochman hired based on his time at KFC parent Yum Brands, along with CMO George Felix and VP of Marketing Jesse Johnson.
Hochman has set about revamping Chili’s leadership, menu and operations since taking the reins in June.
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