TAMPA , FLA. — Elizabeth Smith will join OSI Restaurant Partners, L.L.C. as chief executive officer effective Nov. 16. She will succeed Bill Allen, who will retire as c.e.o. on Nov. 15 but will continue as the chairman of the company’s board of directors.
Ms. Smith joins OSI Restaurant Partners from Avon Products Inc., where she most recently was president. Earlier, she worked for 14 years at Kraft Foods Inc., including as group vice-president of the U.S. Beverages and Grocery sectors.
OSI Restaurant Partners’ portfolio of brands includes Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Prime Rib Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Roy’s restaurants. The company has operations in 50 states and 20 countries.