Dave Pickens, Darden Restaurants’ Chief Restaurant Operations Officer, has announced his retirement following a 41-year career with the company and after completing several initiatives he has overseen. Pickens, 58, began his career with Darden as a 17 year old Red Lobster line cook in 1973, and had been in his current role since July, according to Orlando Sentinel. He was also President of Red Lobster and Olive Garden from 2004 to 2011.
CEO Clarence Otis said Pickens was “an invaluable partner in leadership” who is “admired and liked by employees at every level throughout the company.”
Darden spokesman Rich Jeffers said that Pickens is “looking forward to spending time with his family and enjoying that time.”
Pickens had the longest tenure of any of Darden’s senior executives. During his tenure with Olive Garden, he “improved strategic focus, elevated leadership team effectiveness and enhanced the company’s culture to deliver industry leading growth and profitability,” according to a press release. Orlando Sentinel reports that he received a $1.9 million compensation package last year, with a base salary of $561,569.
Pickens was the perfect example of a great personal success story, having worked his way up to the top of the company. We wish him all the best with his retirement.
