DALLAS, June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) named Carin Stutz Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Business Development.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090601/DA25895)

Stutz is a restaurant and foodservice industry veteran with a wide range of leadership experience. Prior to joining Brinker, she was Executive Vice President of Operations for Applebee's International, Inc. Stutz also served in a variety of leadership roles at Wendy's International, Inc., Sodexho, USA and Nutri/System, Inc.

In her new role, Stutz will oversee restaurant operations for Brinker's 205 international locations, working closely with franchisees and serving as a member of the Brinker global leadership team. Stutz will also direct international franchise business reviews, play a key role in global strategy planning, and lead the development of the global operations team for Brinker and its international franchise partners.

"Carin's extensive background in restaurant operations and franchise management will be instrumental in helping the Brinker global development team achieve our goal to establish 500 international restaurants by 2014," said John Reale, President of Global Business Development for Brinker International. "We are proud to add her talent and diverse restaurant industry experience to our strong team."

"Carin's track record for delivering shareholder value is legendary in the foodservice industry," said Chuck Sonsteby, Chief Financial Officer for Brinker International. "Her wealth of knowledge and drive for profitable results make her a tremendous addition to our executive team."

Stutz received her Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration from Mid-America Nazarene University. She currently serves as Secretary and Board Member for the Women's Foodservice Forum.

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), is one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than 1 million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker owns or franchises nearly 1,700 restaurants in 28 countries and two territories and employs more than 125,000. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's(R) Grill & Bar, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R), and Maggiano's Little Italy(R). Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill(R). The company was named one of FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Food Service Companies in 2009 and was honored by the magazine as one of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and the Top 50 Employers for Women. For more information, visit www.brinker.com.

SOURCE Brinker International, Inc.

CONTACT:
Media Relations of Brinker International, Inc.
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Web Site: http://www.brinker.com