Brinker International Taps Industry Vet as SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer

James Butler will oversee all supply chain functions, including procurement, food safety and quality assurance, distribution and logistics, brand program management and supply chain systems for Chili's and other Brinker-owned restaurants.

James Butler has joined Dallas-based restaurant company Brinker International Inc.—parent company of Chili’s— as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer.

It’s a role in which he will oversee all supply chain functions, including procurement, food safety and quality assurance, distribution and logistics, brand program management and supply chain systems for Brinker’s corporate-owned restaurants.

“James is a visionary leader who builds collaborative, integrated teams and coaches future leaders to continually improve and drive results,” Kevin Hochman, president and CEO of Brinker International, said in a statement. “He will play a key role in executing on our new strategic pillars, working cross-functionally to help us improve and innovate on the core Chili’s food categories we want to win on – including burgers, fajitas, chicken crispers and margaritas – to improve our guests’ experience and increase traffic.”

Before coming to Brinker, Butler was senior vice president, KFC Supply Chain, at Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions LLC (RSCS), where he led the supply chain management organization for several national restaurant brands.

Prior to RSCS, he was vice president, strategy and integrated business planning at Georgia Pacific and spent several years as a leader and management consultant with Deloitte Consulting LLC.

Brinker said that Butler has a strong track record of linking operational strategies with commercial objectives to deliver lasting value and inspiring a shared vision that transforms organizations.

“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work with the Brinker teams on exciting new initiatives to help transform supply chain and procurement strategies that will drive growth, impact the bottom line and maintain operational excellence,” Butler said in a statement. “This is an exciting time for Brinker, and I’m thrilled to join the team on this new journey.”

Brinker International is one of the world’s top casual dining restaurant companies and home of Chili’s Grill & Bar, Maggiano’s Little Italy, and two virtual brands: It’s Just Wings and Maggiano’s Italian Classics.

The company was founded in 1975 in Dallas, and it owns, operates or franchises more than 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two U.S. territories.

Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.

Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.

One quick signup, and you’re done.  

 

R E A D   N E X T

  • The concept of a hub is nothing new in transportation and logistics. Hubs connect people, routes and infrastructure to facilitate movement. As the world moves toward an age of autonomous mobility, a new type of hub is needed — one that connects the talent, ideas and thought leadership that will fuel this dynamic new era.

  • Forward Fort Worth, hosted by Hillwood, brought together both public and private sectors to discuss trends and build partnerships in the mobility industry.

  • Brinker International Adds New Vice President of Marketing to Leadership Group

    Jesse Johnson has joined Dallas-based restaurant company Brinker International Inc. as vice president of marketing, a newly created role at the company. Johnson will develop and execute marketing strategies for Chili's Grill & Bar and bring the brand to life across multiple touchpoints, including advertising, media, PR, and the guest experience, the company said. "As we look to be more commercially aggressive, Jesse's expertise and passion for building culturally relevant brands will be a driving force in putting Chili's back in the cultural zeitgeist," George Felix, Chili's chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "What gets me even more excited…

  • In this week’s roundup of hires, promotions, and accolades in North Texas, you’ll also find news from DHD Films, Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty, M2G Ventures, UT Dallas, the Dallas Museum of Art, MOOYAH, Successive Technologies, CG Infinity, and more.

  • In this week’s roundup of hires, promotions, and accolades in North Texas, you’ll also find news from the AT&T Performing Arts Center, DART, Aimbridge Hospitality, Acera, Fidelis Companies, The Rios Group Inc., Tech Titans, NEC Corp. of America, Texas Women’s Foundation, ATTPAC, LEARFIELD, and Hope Cottage. Plus, Dallas ISD picks a lone finalist for superintendent.