GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. – Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. has appointed Denny Marie Post, the current company president, as its new CEO. Post will succeed Steve Carley, who is retiring from the position he’s held since September 2010. Post will also be on the company’s board of directors.

"The board is pleased that Denny will be assuming this new role and joining the board. Denny has proven to be an innovative and transformative leader and we believe she is the right person to lead Red Robin and position the brand for long-term growth," said Pattye Moore, Board Chair.

Denny Post, CEO of Red Robin

Post joined Red Robin Gourmet Burgers as senior vice president and CMO in August 2011. She was promoted to executive vice president and chief concept officer in March 2015, and promoted to president in February 2016. 

“I am honored to have this opportunity and greatly appreciate the thoughtful way Steve and the board planned the succession,” Post said. “As a team, we have a tremendous legacy to build on – a strong and inspiring culture, talented leadership from our restaurants to our home office, and a collective commitment to deliver a superior guest experience. As much as we have accomplished so far, we have many more ‘best years’ to come.”

Prior to joining Red Robin Post was senior vice president, CMO of T-Mobile USA; senior vice president, Global Beverage, Food, and Quality at Starbucks Corp.; and senior vice president, and chief concept officer of Burger King Corp.

In addition, Kalen F. Holmes and Steven K. Lumpkin will join the Board of Directors.

Holmes most recently served as an executive vice president of Partner Resources (Human Resources) at Starbucks Corp. Prior to joining Starbucks, Holmes worked for Microsoft Corp. She is currently on the Board of Zumiez.

Lumpkin most recently served as executive vice president, CFO and a director of Applebee’s International, Inc.

Carley will continue to serve as an advisor to Red Robin through 2016.

“I’m grateful for my time at Red Robin and after working in the restaurant industry for more than 30 years I am looking forward to relaxing and enjoying my family. It’s been a real pleasure working with the many team members and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together,” Carley said. “Denny has a true passion for Red Robin. She has proven herself as a leader and she’s well-suited to guide the Company’s next phase of growth.”