Brinker Adds COO to Exec’s Role

Brinker Int’l. has promoted Aaron White to executive vice president, COO and chief people officer for the company’s brands Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy.

White joined the company 29 years ago as a Chili’s server and bartender. She moved up through the ranks over the years and most recently served as Brinker’s executive vice president and chief people officer. Prior to her role as Brinker CPO, she was Chili’s co-COO, supporting the brand’s eastern U.S. locations.

In her expanded role, White will oversee both operations strategy and PeopleWorks across the restaurant support center, Chili’s and Maggiano’s. Her team will focus on driving Brinker’s next level of operational improvements to enhance the team member and guest experience. She will continue reporting to Brinker CEO and President Kevin Hochman.

“Aaron has earned deep respect across the organization for her ability to strategize, get things done, bring people together, and elevate our culture. She’s the kind of leader who both delivers results and does it in the right way that is both sustainable and culture-building,” says Hochman in a press release. “As we look toward our future growth and continue our simplification journey in our restaurants, Aaron will lead her team with deep expertise to ensure our operators’ jobs are easier, more fun, and more rewarding and the guest experience remains top of mind.”

Brinker oversees more than 1,600 restaurants across 29 countries and two U.S. territories.