Richmond began his tenure on BJ’s Restaurants’ board in February 2024. Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.

BJ’s Restaurants has reported a significant leadership change with the departure of president and CEO Gregory Levin.

Effective from 28 August 2024, Levin has resigned from his executive roles and from the board of directors.

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The company has appointed Bradford Richmond as the interim CEO.

BJ’s Restaurants board chair Lea Anne Ottinger stated: “Since joining the board, Brad has quickly assimilated and identified key opportunities for our company.

“We believe his leadership style, combined with his depth of experience and expertise as an accomplished public company executive throughout a lengthy career with Darden, will drive operational excellence.

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“His steady hand and disciplined approach to improving financial outcomes has produced a record of enhancing growth and profitability.”

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Richmond, a current member of BJ’s board of directors and former chief financial officer (CFO) of Darden Restaurants, has extensive experience in the foodservice industry.

His tenure on BJ’s Restaurants’ board began in February 2024. He will maintain his position on the board while serving as interim CEO. His previous roles include CFO of Darden Restaurants from 2006 to 2015 and corporate controller from 2005 to 2006.

During a career spanning three decades, Richmond has held strategic and financial executive positions at restaurant brands such as Olive Garden and Red Lobster.

Since 2017, he has been on the board of directors for Coast Entertainment Holdings.

Richmond said: “I am honoured to join BJ’s leadership team. The BJ’s brand is beloved by our loyal guests and team members.

“I look forward to the opportunity to build upon the company’s commitment to our culture and brand promise during my interim service. I hope to enhance focus on and prioritisation of the opportunities in front of us, as we usher in the next chapter of renewed growth and value creation.

“My experience as a board member has solidified my belief that we have tremendous potential to drive greater awareness of the BJ’s brand and continue its trajectory as a restaurant growth company.”

In August 2024, BJ’s Restaurants announced the opening of its new location in Tracy, California.