Red Robin: Names Chief People Officer

Englewood / CO. (rrgb) Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc., a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, announced the completion of its best-in-class leadership team with the appointment of Meghan Spuler as Chief People Officer, effective December 11. Spuler succeeds Mark Simpson, who joined the company as Interim Chief People Officer in May 2023. Simpson will remain in an advisory capacity until the transition is complete.

«Meghan’s expertise and proven reputation for championing cultures of inclusivity, high performance and Operations partnership will bring tremendous value to Red Robin as we continue to transform our brand for the future,» said Red Robin President and CEO GJ Hart. «With our permanent chief people officer role now in place, we’ve completed our industry-best leadership team that’s committed to Red Robin’s North Star plan, delivering exceptional Team Member, Guest and Shareholder value and building a healthy, sustainable brand for decades to come.»

Hart continued, «In addition, I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to Mark Simpson for joining us out of retirement in an interim capacity and for his invaluable leadership to our People Team and key initiatives during our business transformation.»

An accomplished human resources leader with two decades serving hospitality, consumer packaged goods and aerospace brands, Spuler will be responsible for overseeing the continued rollout and implementation of the company’s market and managing partner compensation program, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, benefits and staffing, and People Team administration in support of Red Robin’s 22,400 Field and Restaurant Support Center Team Members.

Most recently, Spuler served as Chief People Officer of Eckerd Connects, a national nonprofit organization that has connected more than 240,000 children, young adults and families to workforce and supportive services, where she was responsible for operationalizing key culture and staffing programs. Previously, she spent five years with Bloomin’ Brands Inc. focused on leadership development, talent acquisition, inclusion + diversity and building best-in-class human resources strategies, and at Pall Aeropower, a subsidiary of Danaher Corporation, and Campbell Soup Company prior. She holds a Master of Human Resource Development degree from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Oral Roberts University.

«It is an honor to join Red Robin during this transformative time for the company,» said Spuler. «I look forward to helping build upon its incredible brand history and cultivate a winning, Guest and Team-centric culture of hospitality.»