Board of directors (9)
Directors with a Section 16 filing in the last 13 months. “Since” is the first filing as a director; SEC data sets start in 2016.
Executive officers (11)
Company facts
- Chair
- —
- In S&P 500 since
- May 1995
- Incorporated in
- FL
- Fiscal year ends
- May
- SEC industry
- Retail-Eating Places
- SEC filings
- EDGAR
Connections to other S&P 500 companies
Current directors and officers who also hold a role at another S&P 500 company.
Major holders (5% or more)
Latest Schedule 13D/13G filing per holder. Holders that reported falling below 5% are not shown. Index funds usually report once a year.
No 5% holder filings parsed yet for this company.
Insider trades
Open-market purchases and sales reported on Form 4. Grants, option exercises and tax withholding are excluded.
| Date | Insider | Type | Shares | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 6, 2026 | Melvin John Martin Group President | Sale | 2,209 | $202.61 | $448K |
| Aug 5, 2026 | John W. Wilkerson President, Olive Garden | Sale | 2,500 | $208.41 | $521K |
| Aug 5, 2026 | John W. Wilkerson President, Olive Garden | Sale | 6,364 | $208.30 | $1.3M |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Laura B. Williamson President, LongHorn Steakhouse | Sale | 1,110 | $204.32 | $227K |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Laura B. Williamson President, LongHorn Steakhouse | Sale | 443 | $204.89 | $91K |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Rajesh Vennam SVP, CFO | Sale | 8,478 | $210.00 | $1.8M |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Susan M. Connelly SVP, Chief Comm & PA Officer | Sale | 2,226 | $208.17 | $463K |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Sarah H. King SVP, Chief People Officer | Sale | 1,500 | $209.63 | $314K |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Sarah H. King SVP, Chief People Officer | Sale | 2,873 | $210.83 | $606K |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Ricardo Cardenas President and CEO | Sale | 15,290 | $209.00 | $3.2M |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Ricardo Cardenas President and CEO | Sale | 12,802 | $208.80 | $2.7M |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Ricardo Cardenas President and CEO | Sale | 3,801 | $209.58 | $797K |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Ricardo Cardenas President and CEO | Sale | 7,241 | $209.41 | $1.5M |
| Jul 7, 2026 | Susan M. Connelly SVP, Chief Comm & PA Officer | Sale | 9,930 | $206.21 | $2.0M |
| Apr 17, 2026 | Douglas J. Milanes SVP, Chief Supply Chain Ofcr | Sale | 3,620 | $202.17 | $732K |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Lindsay L. Koren SVP General Counsel | Sale | 300 | $194.32 | $58K |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Melvin John Martin Group President | Sale | 5,091 | $196.04 | $998K |
| Mar 23, 2026 | William S. Simon Director | Sale | 2,333 | $200.64 | $468K |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Charles M. Sonsteby Director | Sale | 3,123 | $205.32 | $641K |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Sarah H. King SVP, Chief People Officer | Sale | 4,405 | $206.62 | $910K |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Sarah H. King SVP, Chief People Officer | Sale | 200 | $207.28 | $41K |
| Jan 16, 2026 | John W. Wilkerson President, Olive Garden | Sale | 2,258 | $213.00 | $481K |
| Jan 15, 2026 | Rajesh Vennam SVP, CFO | Sale | 3,592 | $214.12 | $769K |
| Jan 15, 2026 | Rajesh Vennam SVP, CFO | Sale | 3,182 | $214.12 | $681K |
| Jan 14, 2026 | Susan M. Connelly SVP, Chief Comm & PA Officer | Sale | 2,635 | $207.36 | $546K |
Board and executive changes
Every 8-K with Item 5.02 (departure, election or appointment of directors and officers). The text is the first paragraph of the item.
- Sep 19, 2025
Approval of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award On September 17, 2025, the independent directors of the Board of Directors of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the “Company”) approved a new special equity grant for Ricardo Cardenas, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, under the Company’s Amended & Restated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). Mr. Cardenas will receive a grant of performance stock units (“PSUs”) with a target dollar value of $17,000,000 (the “CEO Special PSU Award”) vesting on July 24, 2030 (the “Vesting Date”). The Company expects that the grant will be made on September 24, 2025 (the “Grant Date”), in accordance with the Company’s equity awards policy. The target number of PSUs granted to Mr.
Read the 8-K filing - Jun 20, 2025
On June 13, 2025, Dan Kiernan, the Company’s President, Olive Garden, notified the Company of his intent to retire. The effective date of his retirement is August 31, 2025. On June 18, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the appointment of John Wilkerson, currently the Company’s President, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, to the office of President, Olive Garden, effective September 1, 2025. Effective on June 23, 2025, Mr. Wilkerson will no longer serve as President, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and will assume the role of President-elect, Olive Garden. Mr. Wilkerson will work with Mr. Kiernan until his retirement date to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Read the 8-K filing - Jan 28, 2025
On January 27, 2025, Nana Mensah, a member of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the “Company”), notified the Company of his decision to retire from the Board effective January 28, 2025. Mr. Mensah’s departure from the Board is not the result of any disagreement with the Company, the Board or management relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices. The Company and the Board would like to express their appreciation to Mr. Mensah for his years of service to the Company. 2
Read the 8-K filing - Dec 9, 2024
On December 9, 2024, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the “Company”) increased the number of directors of the Company from nine to ten, and elected Daryl A. Kenningham to serve as a director, effective immediately, as further described in the press release dated December 9, 2024, entitled “Darden Restaurants, Inc. Announces New Board Member,” a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. The Board appointed Mr. Kenningham to serve on the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Board. The Board determined that, in its judgment, Mr. Kenningham satisfies the requirements for “independence” set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines and the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The Board also determined that Mr.
Read the 8-K filing - Apr 3, 2024
On April 2, 2024, the Board of Directors of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the Company) approved the appointment of Todd A. Burrowes, currently the Company’s President, LongHorn Steakhouse, to the office of President, Business Development effective May 27, 2024. Mr. Burrowes will no longer serve as President, LongHorn Steakhouse upon assuming his new role. 2
Read the 8-K filing - Jun 22, 2023
On June 20, 2023, Eugene I. Lee, Jr., a director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board), informed the Board that he will not stand for re-election to the Board at the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of shareholders and that he will retire from service as a director of the Company at the end of the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders, scheduled for September 20, 2023. Mr. Lee’s plan to retire is not due to any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices. On June 20, 2023, the Board determined that effective upon Mr. Lee’s retirement from the Board, the size of the Board will be reduced to nine directors. On June 22, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing Mr. Lee’s retirement from the Board.
Read the 8-K filing - Mar 24, 2022
Compensation Arrangements for President and Chief Executive Officer - Elect In the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2021 (the December 2021 Form 8-K), the Company announced that Mr. Ricardo Cardenas, the Company’s current President and Chief Operating Officer, was appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective May 30, 2022. On March 23, 2022, the Board approved new compensation arrangements for Mr. Cardenas with respect to his new role. Effective May 30, 2022, Mr. Cardenas’ base salary will be $1,000,000 and Mr. Cardenas’ target annual bonus under the Company’s annual cash incentive program will be 150% of his annual base salary. Mr.
Read the 8-K filing - Mar 22, 2022
On March 22, 2022, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the “Company”) increased the number of directors of the Company from eight to nine, and elected Juliana L. Chugg to serve as a director, effective immediately, as further described in the press release dated March 22, 2022, entitled “Darden Restaurants, Inc. Welcomes Juliana L. Chugg to Its Board of Directors,” a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. The Board appointed Ms. Chugg to serve on the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board. The Board determined that, in its judgment, Ms. Chugg satisfies the requirements for “independence” set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines and the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The Board also determined that Ms.
Read the 8-K filing - Dec 17, 2021
Retirement of Chief Executive Officer and Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer On December 15, 2021, Eugene I. Lee, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the Company), informed the Board of Directors (Board) of the Company of his intention to retire as CEO effective May 29, 2022. Mr. Lee will continue to serve as Executive Chairman of the Board until the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. At that time, Mr. Lee is expected to stand for re-election to the Board and continue to serve as Chairman of the Board in a non-executive capacity. Also on December 15, 2021, the Board appointed President and Chief Operating Officer Ricardo Cardenas to serve as the Company’s President and CEO beginning on May 30, 2022. Mr. Cardenas, age 53, has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since January 2021. Prior to that, Mr.
Read the 8-K filing - Dec 18, 2020
Appointment of Certain Officers On December 15, 2020, the Board of Directors (the Board) of the Company made the following executive appointments, effective January 4, 2021: • Eugene I. Lee, Jr., previously the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. • Ricardo Cardenas, previously the Company’s Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Cardenas, age 52, had been our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer since 2016. He was Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer of the Company from 2015 to 2016, prior to which he served as Senior Vice President, Finance, Strategy and Technology from 2014 to 2015.
Read the 8-K filing - Jun 25, 2020
Fiscal 2020 Annual Incentive Plan On June 23, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Board) of Darden Restaurants, Inc. approved modifications to the annual incentive plan for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 for each of our named executive officers (as defined in the Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders) except for our President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). On June 24, 2020, the Board approved these same modifications to the fiscal 2020 annual incentive plan for our President and CEO. The Company’s performance results under our fiscal 2020 annual incentive plan were severely negatively impacted by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of which only began to be felt in the United States during the Company’s fiscal fourth quarter.
Read the 8-K filing - May 28, 2020
On May 26, 2020, the Board of Directors (the Board) of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the Company) approved new compensation arrangements for Eugene I. Lee, Jr., the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, to restore his base salary from the previously disclosed reduced level that has been in effect since March 23, 2020. Mr. Lee’s base salary will be restored to $1,000,000, effective June 1, 2020. All other elements of Mr. Lee’s compensation remain unchanged. On May 26, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved new compensation arrangements for each of our other named executive officers (as defined in the Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders) to restore their respective base salaries from the previously disclosed reduced levels that have been in effect since April 13, 2020.
Read the 8-K filing - Apr 7, 2020
On April 6, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved new compensation arrangements for each of our named executive officers (as defined in the Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders) other than the President and Chief Executive Officer. The base salary for each such named executive officer will be reduced by 50%, effective April 13, 2020. All other elements of such named executive officers’ compensation remain unchanged. As previously reported by the Company, the base salary of our President and Chief Executive Officer, Eugene I. Lee, Jr., was reduced, effective March 23, 2020, to approximately the amount necessary to cover Mr. Lee’s required contributions to his employment benefits and related payroll taxes.
Read the 8-K filing - Mar 19, 2020
At the request of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Eugene I. Lee, Jr., on March 18, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) approved new compensation arrangements for Mr. Lee. Mr. Lee’s base salary will be reduced to $14,750 annually, effective March 23, 2020. The intention of this reduction is that Mr. Lee’s base salary would equal approximately the amount necessary to cover Mr. Lee’s required contributions to his employment benefits and related payroll taxes. All other elements of Mr. Lee’s compensation remain unchanged.
Read the 8-K filing - Jun 20, 2019
On June 19, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) approved new compensation arrangements for the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Eugene I. Lee, Jr. To carry out these arrangements, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved three new forms of award agreements that the Board intends to use only for equity awards issued to Mr. Lee under the Darden Restaurants, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the 2015 Plan): the FY 20__ Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement for Eugene I. Lee, Jr. (the CEO PSU Agreement), the FY 20__ Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Eugene I. Lee, Jr. (the CEO Option Agreement) and the FY20__ Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Eugene I. Lee, Jr. (the CEO RSU Agreement, and together with the CEO PSU Agreement and the CEO Option Agreement, the CEO Award Agreements.) The Board determined that Mr.
Read the 8-K filing
Show 12 older changes
- Jun 21, 2018
Compensation Arrangements for Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer On June 19, 2018, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the Committee) approved new compensation arrangements for David C. George, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. George’s base salary will be $750,000 effective July 30, 2018. Mr. George’s target annual bonus under the Company’s annual cash incentive program and target annual equity grant under the Company’s long-term incentive program will remain unchanged. Compensation Arrangements for Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary On June 19, 2018, the Committee approved new compensation arrangements for Matthew R. Broad, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company. Mr.
Read the 8-K filing - Mar 12, 2018
On March 9, 2018, Bradley D. Blum resigned from the Board of Directors (the Board) of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the Company) effective immediately. Mr. Blum’s resignation was not a result of a disagreement with the Company, its management or the Board. Chuck Sonsteby, Chairman of the Board, said: “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to acknowledge Brad’s many contributions to Darden over the years, including his past tenure as a member of the management team and a director and his more recent role as an independent director of the Company. We thank Brad for his dedicated service to the Company and wish him all the best.” 2
Read the 8-K filing - Jan 22, 2018
On January 22, 2018, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the Company) appointed David C. George, 62, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Mr. George had been President, Olive Garden and Executive Vice President, Darden Restaurants since March 2016, prior to which he was President, Olive Garden since January 2013. He served as our President, LongHorn Steakhouse from October 2007, when we acquired RARE Hospitality International, Inc. (RARE), until January 2013. Prior to the acquisition, he served as RARE’s President of LongHorn Steakhouse from May 2003 until October 2007. From October 2001 until May 2003, he was RARE’s Senior Vice President of Operations for LongHorn Steakhouse and from May 2000 until October 2001 was RARE’s Vice President of Operations for The Capital Grille.
Read the 8-K filing - Sep 26, 2017
At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) held on September 21, 2017, the Board approved the termination of the following agreements between the Company and the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Eugene I. Lee, Jr.: (a) the Employment Agreement dated April 28, 2003, a First Amendment of Employment Agreement dated October 27, 2004, a Second Amendment of Employment Agreement dated October 27, 2005, a Third Amendment of Employment Agreement dated October 27, 2006, and a Fourth Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated December 15, 2006, all between Mr. Lee and RARE Hospitality Management, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the Lee RARE Agreement); and (b) a letter agreement between the Company and Mr.
Read the 8-K filing - Jun 23, 2017
Compensation Arrangements for Chief Financial Officer On June 21, 2017, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) approved new compensation arrangements for Ricardo Cardenas, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Cardenas’ base salary will be $625,000 effective July 31, 2017. Mr. Cardenas’ target annual bonus under the Company’s annual cash incentive program will be 90% of his annual base salary, effective for fiscal 2018. Mr. Cardenas’ new target annual equity grant under the Company’s long-term incentive program will have an aggregate value of $1,250,000. Compensation Arrangements for President, Olive Garden and Executive Vice President, Darden Restaurants On June 21, 2017, the Committee approved new compensation arrangements for David C.
Read the 8-K filing - Nov 14, 2016
On November 14, 2016, the Board of Directors of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the “Company”) increased the number of directors of the Company from seven to eight, and elected Nana Mensah to serve as a director, effective November 14, 2016, as further described in the press release dated November 14, 2016, entitled “Darden Restaurants, Inc. Announces New Board Member,” a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. The Board appointed Mr. Mensah to serve on the Compensation Committee of the Board. The Board determined that, in its judgment, Mr. Mensah each satisfies the requirements for “independence” set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines and the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange. There were no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which Mr.
Read the 8-K filing - Oct 4, 2016
On October 4, 2016, Danielle L. Kirgan, the Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer of Darden Restaurants, Inc., resigned from her position effective October 21, 2016.
Read the 8-K filing - Sep 28, 2016
On September 28, 2016, Jean M. Birch resigned as a member of the Board of Directors (the Board) of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the Company) and withdrew her consent to stand for re-election to the Board at the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on September 29, 2016. Ms. Birch's resignation was not a result of a disagreement with the Company, its management or the Board. At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board held on September 28, 2016, the Board voted to reduce the size of the Board to seven members to eliminate the vacancy created by Ms. Birch's resignation.
Read the 8-K filing - Jul 5, 2016
Compensatory Arrangements of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer On June 28, 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the “Company”) approved an additional equity grant under the Company’s long-term incentive program for Ricardo Cardenas, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, in connection with his appointment to that position by the Board on March 9, 2016. Mr. Cardenas will receive an equity grant with an aggregate value of $500,000 in addition to his usual target annual equity grant. The grant will be made 1/3 in performance-based restricted stock units tied to return on invested capital (“ROIC PSUs”), 1/3 in performance-based restricted stock units tied to relative total shareholder return (“TSR PSUs”) and 1/3 in stock options. The grant will be issued on July 27, 2016.
Read the 8-K filing - Apr 11, 2016
On April 6, 2016, Jeffrey A. Davis, former Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the “Company”), entered into a separation letter agreement (the “Separation Letter”) with the Company which will become effective after a statutory seven day revocation period expires on April 13, 2016. Under the terms of the Separation Letter, Mr. Davis releases the Company from all actual or potential claims or liabilities, with certain exceptions, and reaffirms that Mr. Davis will protect the confidential information and trade secrets of the Company for a period of five years, will not disparage the Company for a period of twelve months, will refrain from competing with the Company for a period of twelve months and will not solicit the Company's vendors, suppliers or licensees for a period of twelve months. As consideration for Mr.
Read the 8-K filing - Apr 5, 2016
Compensation Arrangements for Chief Financial Officer On March 30, 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) approved new compensation arrangements for Ricardo Cardenas, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, in connection with his appointment to that position by the Board on March 9, 2016. Mr. Cardenas’ base salary will be $560,000. Mr. Cardenas’ target annual bonus under the Company’s annual cash incentive program will be 80% of his annual base salary, prorated for fiscal 2016. The new salary and bonus arrangements were made retroactively effective to the commencement of his new position on March 9, 2016. Mr. Cardenas’ new target annual equity grant under the Company’s long-term incentive program will have an aggregate value of $1,000,000.
Read the 8-K filing - Mar 9, 2016
Appointment of New Chief Financial Officer On March 9, 2016, the Company appointed Ricardo Cardenas, 48, as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Cardenas had been Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer of the Company since July 2015, prior to which he served as Senior Vice President, Finance, Strategy and Technology from July 2014 to July 2015. He was Executive Vice President of Operations for the Company’s LongHorn Steakhouse from June 2013 to July 2014 and Senior Vice President of Operations for LongHorn Steakhouse’s Philadelphia Division from June 2012 to June 2013. He served as Senior Vice President of Finance for Red Lobster, which the Company previously owned, from June 2010 to June 2012. Mr.
Read the 8-K filing
Proxy statements (DEF 14A): 2026 · 2025 · 2024 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021
Share price
Annual financials
From the company's 10-K XBRL data (SEC companyfacts).
| Fiscal year | Revenue | Net income | Margin | Diluted EPS | Total assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 | $13.2B | $1.2B | 9.1% | $10.38 | $12.9B |
| FY2025 | $12.1B | $1.0B | 8.7% | $8.86 | $12.6B |
| FY2024 | $11.4B | $1.0B | 9.0% | $8.51 | $11.3B |
| FY2023 | $10.5B | $981.9M | 9.4% | $7.99 | $10.2B |
| FY2022 | $9.6B | $952.8M | 9.9% | $7.39 | $10.1B |
| FY2021 | $7.2B | $629.3M | 8.7% | $4.77 | $10.7B |
| FY2020 | $7.8B | -$52.4M | -0.7% | $-0.43 | $9.9B |
| FY2019 | $8.5B | $713.4M | 8.4% | $5.69 | $5.9B |
Former directors and officers (12)
People who stopped filing as an insider of this company. “Last filing” is the last Form 3/4/5, an upper bound on when they left.