David J. Deno has been the CEO of Bloomin' Brands, Inc. since April 2019. With a solid background in finance, he holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. Before stepping into his current role, he served as the...
David J. Deno has been the CEO of Bloomin' Brands, Inc. since April 2019. With a solid background in finance, he holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. Before stepping into his current role, he served as the Chief Financial Officer for both Quiznos and YUM! Brands. Deno is known for his emphasis on performance-based incentives in executive compensation, which aligns closely with the company's financial goals. He announced his retirement plans from Bloomin' Brands in May 2024, stating that he intended to assist in the transition to a new CEO. This decision wasn't due to any disagreements within the company, but rather a personal choice for a new chapter. In 2022, Deno's total compensation was approximately $1.09 million, which included a significant cash bonus of nearly $900,000 based on company performance. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he took steps to reduce his salary to help the company navigate tough times. Deno's leadership has steered Bloomin' Brands through various challenges, including improving restaurant efficiency and enhancing brand appeal, making him a key figure in the culinary landscape.