The Rose Group Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Rose Group has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, and organizational leadership.

Focused on delivering exceptional dining experiences, The Rose Group maintains a commitment to operational excellence across its diverse portfolio of restaurant brands throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Leadership Roles at The Rose Group

  • Chief Executive Officer - Donna Rose
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Tobia
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Bonnie Lippincott
  • President - Gail Eckert
  • Donna Rose - Chief Executive Officer

    Donna Rose, the Chief Executive Officer at The Rose Group, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire restaurant portfolio. Overseeing the expansion of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar locations across Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent brand standards. Donna Rose architects long-term growth initiatives while maintaining the unique identity of the Shannon Rose Irish pub concepts in North Jersey. By fostering a culture of hospitality, the Chief Executive Officer drives performance across all regional markets. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to sustain competitive advantages in the restaurant industry. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and operational integrity of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer aligns all departmental goals with the core mission of providing high-quality dining experiences to every guest.

    Christopher Tobia - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Tobia, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at The Rose Group, oversees all fiscal planning, budgeting, and capital allocation strategies. Managing the financial health of the organization, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer evaluates investment opportunities for new restaurant acquisitions and existing site renovations. Christopher Tobia directs the accounting and reporting functions to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance across all operating states. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from both the Applebee's and Shannon Rose brands to maximize shareholder value. By implementing robust financial controls, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and supports sustainable growth. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executives to align capital expenditures with long-term corporate objectives. Through precise financial forecasting, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data to drive informed decision-making across the entire enterprise.

    Bonnie Lippincott - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Bonnie Lippincott, the President & Chief Operating Officer at The Rose Group, manages the daily operational execution of all restaurant units. Coordinating supply chain logistics and labor management, the President & Chief Operating Officer optimizes efficiency across the Applebee's and Shannon Rose footprints. Bonnie Lippincott implements standardized service protocols to ensure uniformity in guest satisfaction throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This role requires constant collaboration with regional managers to address site-specific challenges and maintain high safety standards. By streamlining internal processes, the President & Chief Operating Officer enhances profitability and reduces overhead costs. The President & Chief Operating Officer monitors key performance indicators to track operational success and identify areas for improvement. Through proactive management of restaurant assets, the President & Chief Operating Officer guarantees that every location meets the rigorous quality benchmarks established by the executive leadership team.
    Bonnie Lippincott

    Gail Eckert - President

    Gail Eckert, the President at The Rose Group, leads organizational development and human capital initiatives to support the company's expansive restaurant network. Focusing on talent acquisition and employee retention, the President designs training programs that elevate service quality across all locations. Gail Eckert architects internal communication strategies to ensure alignment between corporate objectives and frontline staff performance. This role involves overseeing the cultural integration of new restaurant teams while maintaining the established standards of the brand. By championing professional development, the President strengthens the leadership pipeline within the organization. The President works closely with the executive team to refine operational policies that improve workplace efficiency and guest engagement. Through the implementation of comprehensive human resources frameworks, the President ensures that the workforce remains capable of delivering the high-quality dining experiences synonymous with the company's reputation in the competitive hospitality sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Rose Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Rose Group?
    The Rose Group is led by Donna Rose (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Christopher Tobia (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Bonnie Lippincott (President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of The Rose Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Rose Group includes leaders such as Donna Rose (Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Tobia (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Bonnie Lippincott (President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Rose Group have?
    The Rose Group has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Rose Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Rose Group includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, President.