Red Lobster names two top execs from P.F. Chang’s in major post-bankruptcy leadership play

USA – Red Lobster has appointed Brad Hill as Chief Financial Officer and Kristen Briede as Chief Global Development Officer, bringing in two seasoned executives from P.F. Chang’s to lead the iconic seafood chain’s next chapter.

The appointments, announced March 2, signal a decisive shift from survival mode to aggressive growth under CEO Damola Adamolekun, who himself led P.F. Chang’s before taking the helm at Red Lobster in 2024.

A Dream Team Reunited

The P.F. Chang’s pipeline flows generously into Red Lobster’s C-suite. Hill, who served as CEO of P.F. Chang’s and held various executive roles there for nearly a decade, will oversee finance operations, planning, forecasting, and stakeholder reporting.

He also takes on the “transformation” mantle, leading strategic real estate efforts including lease negotiations and deal execution.

Briede, who was president of global brands at P.F. Chang’s and later chief global development officer at Steak ‘n Shake, will direct asset-light growth through domestic and international franchising, travel and airport formats, strategic partnerships, and retail licensing opportunities.

“Brad and Kristen are proven, high-impact leaders,” Adamolekun said in a statement.

From Bankruptcy to Bold Ambition

The leadership overhaul comes as Red Lobster executes what Adamolekun has boldly called “the greatest comeback in the history of the restaurant industry.”

The chain emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024 after enduring an US$11 million endless-shrimp disaster, dozens of closures, and years of mismanagement under previous owners.

Sales are now up 10% year-over-year, with viral Seafood Boils driving an 18% traffic jump last July.

Customer sentiment is improving, and younger diners are giving the brand a second look.

Real Estate Reset and Global Dreams

Hill’s mandate includes tackling the chain’s costly legacy leases, many dating back to 2014 when Golden Gate Capital sold off Red Lobster’s real estate, exposing it to above-market rents.

The company is actively renegotiating or exiting these agreements while eyeing expansion in upstate New York and New England once underperforming sites are resolved.

Briede’s global development agenda taps into Red Lobster’s significant international potential. With more than 500 locations worldwide and decades of brand recognition, the chain sees franchising as a capital-efficient path to growth, particularly in underserved international markets.

Hill succeeds Bob Baker, who has departed the organization. Both new executives join the company’s executive leadership team, reporting directly to Adamolekun. With a leaner menu now featuring items like Lobster Pappardelle Pasta, Red Lobster appears poised to prove that even the biggest seafood chains can learn new tricks.

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