What Happened?

About the Company

In the late 1980s, four friends who were all veterans of the hospitality industry had the dream of opening their own restaurant. They wanted a place with a casual atmosphere and a strong focus on quality food and service. To differentiate themselves from other dining concepts, they decided an Australian theme fit the relaxed, friendly and fun image they wanted for their new restaurant. With a “No Rules, Just Right” mentality that takes food very seriously, but without taking themselves too seriously and operating under the premise that nothing stands in the way of pleasing the customer, they opened their first Outback Steakhouse restaurant in March 1988 in Tampa, Florida. Outback Steakhouse quickly became known as a place that served a great steak at a reasonable price by people who genuinely cared about the comfort, well-being and joy of their guests. Since the first Outback Steakhouse opened, our family has expanded to include Carrabba`s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming`s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Together, these unique, Founder-inspired restaurants that deliver exceptional quality and welcoming hospitality make up Bloomin` Brands, Inc. Today, Bloomin` Brands is one of the world`s largest casual dining companies with approximately 93,000 Team Members and more than 1,450 restaurants throughout 48 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 21 countries, some of which are franchise locations. Bloomin` Brands was named to Forbes` list of the America`s Best Employers for Diversity in 2019 & 2020 and America`s Best Employers for Women in 2019.

About the Person

Donagh Herlihy has been the Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President of Digital at Bloomin` Brands, Inc., since September 2, 2014. Mr. Herlihy served as Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Avon Products Inc. since March 2008. Mr. Herlihy served as Chief Information Officer of William Wrigley Jr. Co., since 2000 and also served as its Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy and Planning. He served as Vice President of People, Learning and Development of William Wrigley Jr. Co. since 2000. Mr. Herlihy held various executive positions at The Gillette Company for more than five years. His previous experience also includes leadership positions in Human Resources and Supply Chain. Mr. Herlihy holds a BSC in Industrial Engineering and an MA from the Institute of Technology and Trinity College in Dublin. He has completed the Executive Program at the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business.