Olive Garden Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Olive Garden has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, business development, operational management, and corporate leadership.

Committed to delivering authentic Italian-American dining experiences, Olive Garden prioritizes culinary excellence and guest satisfaction across a vast network of locations, fostering a culture of hospitality that defines the brand's market presence.

Leadership Roles at Olive Garden

  • Chief Executive Officer - Yoel Silver
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Carpenter
  • Manager and President - Hafsa Ozcan-Erturan
  • President - Luis Sandoval
  • Yoel Silver - Chief Executive Officer

    Yoel Silver, the Chief Executive Officer at Olive Garden, directs the overarching strategic vision for the restaurant chain. Overseeing national operations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent quality across all Italian-American dining locations. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains and optimizing kitchen workflows to maintain high standards of service. By analyzing market trends, Yoel Silver identifies opportunities for menu innovation and expansion within the competitive hospitality sector. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with regional directors to refine guest engagement strategies, ensuring that every dining experience reflects the core values of the brand. Through rigorous financial oversight and operational discipline, the Chief Executive Officer drives long-term profitability. Ultimately, Silver secures the competitive position of the organization by balancing traditional culinary roots with modern efficiency requirements, ensuring sustained growth across the entire North American footprint.

    Michael Carpenter - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Carpenter, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Olive Garden, architects the foundational business model and long-term corporate trajectory. Focusing on brand identity, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer establishes the cultural pillars that guide daily restaurant operations. This leadership role involves high-level engagement with the board to align corporate objectives with evolving consumer preferences in the casual dining market. By championing initiatives that enhance the guest experience, Michael Carpenter ensures that the brand remains a leader in Italian-American cuisine. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer monitors macro-economic shifts to adjust corporate strategy, maintaining resilience against industry volatility. Through strategic partnerships and resource allocation, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer supports the scaling of new service models. Ultimately, Carpenter sustains the legacy of the organization while driving innovation, ensuring that the company remains a dominant force in the hospitality industry.

    Hafsa Ozcan-Erturan - Manager and President

    Hafsa Ozcan-Erturan, the Manager and President at Olive Garden, oversees internal administrative processes and organizational efficiency. Managing the daily execution of corporate policies, the Manager and President ensures that all restaurant units adhere to strict operational standards. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental projects to streamline communication and improve service delivery speed. By implementing data-driven management systems, Hafsa Ozcan-Erturan optimizes labor allocation and inventory control across the regional network. The Manager and President works closely with human resources to foster talent development and maintain high employee retention rates. Through meticulous oversight of internal workflows, the Manager and President supports the broader strategic goals set by the executive team. Ultimately, Ozcan-Erturan enhances the operational backbone of the company, ensuring that every location functions with precision and maintains the high quality expected by guests throughout the country.
    Hafsa Ozcan-Erturan

    Luis Sandoval - President

    Luis Sandoval, the President at Olive Garden, drives the execution of growth initiatives and market expansion strategies. Overseeing the implementation of new dining concepts, the President ensures that the brand adapts to changing consumer demands in the casual dining space. This leadership role involves managing relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring that regional operations align with national performance targets. By analyzing performance metrics, Luis Sandoval identifies areas for service improvement and revenue optimization. The President coordinates with marketing teams to launch campaigns that increase brand visibility and attract new customer segments. Through the oversight of large-scale operational projects, the President ensures that the company maintains its competitive edge in the hospitality sector. Ultimately, Sandoval secures the financial health of the organization by fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, ensuring that the brand continues to thrive in a dynamic market environment.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Olive Garden Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Olive Garden?
    Olive Garden is led by Yoel Silver (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Carpenter (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Hafsa Ozcan-Erturan (Manager and President).
    Who is part of Olive Garden’s executive team?
    The executive team of Olive Garden includes leaders such as Yoel Silver (Chief Executive Officer), Michael Carpenter (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Hafsa Ozcan-Erturan (Manager and President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Olive Garden have?
    Olive Garden has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Olive Garden’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Olive Garden includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Manager and President, President.