Bloomin' Brands Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bloomin' Brands has 4 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, information technology, financial management, and legal operations.

Focused on delivering exceptional dining experiences across a diverse portfolio of restaurant concepts, Bloomin' Brands maintains a commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth within the global hospitality sector.

Leadership Roles at Bloomin' Brands

  • Chief Executive Officer - Michael Spanos
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Eric Christel
  • Senior VP & Chief Information Officer - Rafael Sanchez
  • Chief Legal Officer, Executive VP & Secretary - Kelly Lefferts
  • Michael Spanos - Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Spanos, the Chief Executive Officer at Bloomin' Brands, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire restaurant portfolio. Overseeing operations for Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent brand performance across domestic and international markets. This leadership role involves driving long-term value creation by optimizing restaurant efficiency and enhancing guest satisfaction. By aligning executive priorities with market demands, Michael Spanos fosters a culture of innovation and operational discipline. Spanos manages the expansion of the company footprint while maintaining high standards of service quality. Through rigorous oversight of the U.S. and International segments, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the organization within the casual and fine dining landscape, ultimately supporting sustained profitability and brand loyalty across all concepts.
    Michael Spanos

    Eric Christel - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Eric Christel, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Bloomin' Brands, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and investor relations, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures the alignment of resources with long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves monitoring the profitability of the U.S. and International segments to optimize margins across the restaurant portfolio. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Eric Christel supports the stability of the company during periods of expansion and market volatility. Christel directs the budgeting process and capital investment programs to maximize shareholder value. Through the analysis of operational costs and revenue streams, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary insights to guide strategic decision-making. This financial oversight remains critical to the success of the company as the organization navigates the complexities of the global hospitality industry.
    Eric Christel

    Rafael Sanchez - Senior VP & Chief Information Officer

    Rafael Sanchez, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer at Bloomin' Brands, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all restaurant operations. Overseeing the integration of technology across the portfolio, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer drives initiatives that streamline guest interactions and back-office efficiency. This leadership role involves managing complex data systems to improve supply chain visibility and restaurant performance metrics. By implementing advanced digital solutions, Rafael Sanchez enhances the operational agility of the company. Sanchez directs the cybersecurity framework and data analytics strategy to protect corporate assets and inform business decisions. Through the deployment of modern point-of-sale and customer engagement platforms, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless service delivery across all dining concepts. This focus on technological advancement directly supports the ability of the organization to scale operations effectively while maintaining a superior guest experience in a competitive market.
    Rafael Sanchez
    Kelly Lefferts, the Chief Legal Officer, Executive VP & Secretary at Bloomin' Brands, directs the legal strategy and corporate governance framework for the organization. Overseeing regulatory compliance, risk management, and intellectual property protection, the Chief Legal Officer, Executive VP & Secretary ensures that all business activities adhere to legal standards across domestic and international jurisdictions. This leadership role involves managing complex contractual obligations and litigation matters to safeguard the reputation of the company. By providing counsel on strategic initiatives, Kelly Lefferts facilitates the expansion of the restaurant portfolio while mitigating potential liabilities. Lefferts manages the corporate secretarial functions and board relations to maintain high standards of transparency and accountability. Through the proactive identification of legal risks, the Chief Legal Officer, Executive VP & Secretary supports the operational continuity of the business. This focus on legal integrity remains essential to the long-term success and stability of the organization.
    Kelly Lefferts

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bloomin' Brands Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Bloomin' Brands?
    Bloomin' Brands is led by Michael Spanos (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Eric Christel (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and Rafael Sanchez (Senior VP & Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Bloomin' Brands’s executive team?
    The executive team of Bloomin' Brands includes leaders such as Michael Spanos (Chief Executive Officer), Eric Christel (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), Rafael Sanchez (Senior VP & Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Bloomin' Brands have?
    Bloomin' Brands has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Bloomin' Brands’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Bloomin' Brands includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Senior VP & Chief Information Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Executive VP & Secretary.