MARYVILLE (WATE) - Ruby Tuesday, Inc. announced Monday the hire of J.J. Buettgen as the company's new president and CEO.
Buettgen was formerly the Chief Marketing Officer at Darden Restaurants, Inc, which owns chain restaurants like the Olive Garden and Red Lobster.
The appointment is effective
Dec. 1 and follows the previously-announced retirement
of Founder Sandy Beall as Chairman, President, and Chief
Executive Officer.
"The Board of Directors is
confident that J.J.'s proven track record at Darden makes him the right leader for
Ruby Tuesday," said Lead Director Matt Drapkin. "We have tremendous
opportunity ahead of us and J.J.'s strategic thinking and brand marketing experience in the restaurant industry will be very
valuable as we look to build upon our current momentum in order to drive future
growth and value."
Sandy Beall said he would work with Buettgen during the transition.
"It has been a privilege to lead this
great brand and team over the past 40 years," Beall said. "I am very excited about JJ's
appointment as CEO and look forward to working with him."
