Cosi Names Carin Stutz Its New President

Carin Stutz is leaving her post as president of global business development at Brinker Int’l. to join Cosi Inc. as its new president and CEO.  The appointment, which includes a seat on the board of directors, is official Jan. 1. Cosi has 80 company-owned and 57 franchise restaurants operating in 17 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Arab Emirates. It is based in Deerfield, Ill.

At Dallas-based Brinker, Stutz led all aspects of franchise development and operations for 240 Chili’s and Maggiano’s restaurants around the globe. Prior to joining Brinker, Stutz was exec. v.p.-operations for Applebee’s Int’l. and oversaw more than 1,900 company-owned and franchise restaurants in 49 states. Her long resume also include posts as Pacific Div. v.p. for Wendy’s Int’l., and v.p.-regional operations for Sodexo, U.S.A.