Ricardo Cardenas is the CEO of Darden Restaurants, Inc., a leader in the dining industry known for popular brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Born in 1968, Cardenas has been with the company for a long time, starting out...

Ricardo Cardenas is the CEO of Darden Restaurants, Inc., a leader in the dining industry known for popular brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Born in 1968, Cardenas has been with the company for a long time, starting out as an hourly worker in 1984. Over the years, he climbed the ranks through roles in finance and strategy, eventually becoming CFO and then President before taking on the CEO position in May 2022. Under his leadership, Darden has seen significant growth, achieving a record $10.5 billion in sales in fiscal 2023. His approach to compensation reflects a pay-for-performance philosophy, meaning his salary and bonuses are tied to how well the company does. For 2023, he received a total compensation package of about $11 million, with incentives aimed at driving both profitability and sales growth. Another interesting fact is his insider trading activities, where he has repeatedly bought shares, especially during periods of stock increases, hinting at his belief in the company's future success. With a demonstrated knack for building a solid restaurant empire and a commitment to aligning executive compensation with company performance, Cardenas continues to play a crucial role in shaping Darden's success.