Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (NYSE: RT) today announced the appointments of F. Lane Cardwell and Jeffrey J. O’Neill to its Board of Directors effective August 13, 2012. Messrs. Cardwell and O’Neill bring substantial industry experience in business strategy and executive leadership.
“I am excited to welcome both Lane and Jeff to our Board of Directors,” said Founder, Chairman, and CEO Sandy Beall. “Their extensive restaurant industry expertise will further enhance and strengthen our Board and the quality of our corporate governance, and I know they will make significant contributions as we continue to make progress on our strategic plans to create long-term value for our shareholders.”
Mr. Cardwell has over 34 years of experience in the restaurant industry and most recently served as the President of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro from 2011 to 2012, in addition to President and CEO of Boston Market from 2009 to 2010. He previously served as interim President and CEO of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. (NASDAQ: DAVE) from 2007 to 2008, President and CEO of Eatzi’s Market and Bakery from 1996 to 1999, and Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) prior to Eatzi’s. Mr. Cardwell has also served on 10 corporate boards with public and private ownership including Shari’s Restaurants & Pies, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Famous Dave’s of America, and Brinker International. Mr. Cardwell holds a BBA in Marketing from Southern Methodist University and an MBA in Finance from the University of North Texas.
Mr. O’Neill, who has served as President and CEO of Einstein Noah Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: BAGL) since 2008, is a 25-year veteran of the Food and Beverage industry in North America with extensive experience in brand marketing, strategic planning, and store operations. He previously held the positions of COO, President, and CEO at Priszm Income Fund, a publicly-traded Canadian firm and the master franchisee for KFC in Canada which operates 465 quick service and quick casual restaurants under the KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut brands. Prior to joining Priszm, Mr. O’Neill served as Vice President of Sales for Quaker Foods and President of Pepsi-Cola Canada. Mr. O’Neill holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Ottawa.