Renowned serial entrepreneur and seasoned restaurant group executive Julia Stewart, age 70, is capturing attention online this week for executing what many call “one of the best leadership moves” in the realm of business turnarounds.
Julia Stewart, after a seven-year leadership stint at Taco Bell, took on the role of president at Applebee’s in 1998. She departed three years later when she was passed over for a promised CEO promotion, although during her leadership, the company and franchise sales flourished and stock prices climbed, according to Fortune. Shortly after this setback, she became the chair and CEO of IHOP in 2001, as noted on LinkedIn.
After about six years in the role, in November 2007, IHOP acquired Applebee’s for $2.1 billion, and Stewart had a phone call to make.
Stewart recounted on The Matthews Mentality Podcast, “I reached out to the chair and CEO of Applebee’s, simply to say hello. He anticipated this call and I informed him that, as announced, we had acquired the company for $2.3 billion and, regrettably, we only required one leader, which meant I had to relieve him of his duties.”
@kylematthewsceo Reacting to @Lindsay The ultimate power play… Julia Stewart. Episode 59 of The Matthews Mentality Podcast #f#fypp#podcastclipsp#plottwistp#powermove ♬ original sound – Kyle Matthews | Sales Tips
Stewart would continue to serve as the chair and CEO of the parent company, Dine Brands Global, for another decade.
And at 70, Stewart is still working. She’s currently a board member at Bojangles, among other places, and the founder of a wellness app.
Renowned serial entrepreneur and seasoned restaurant group executive Julia Stewart, age 70, is capturing attention online this week for executing what many call “one of the best leadership moves” in the realm of business turnarounds.
Julia Stewart, after a seven-year leadership stint at Taco Bell, took on the role of president at Applebee’s in 1998. She departed three years later when she was passed over for a promised CEO promotion, although during her leadership, the company and franchise sales flourished and stock prices climbed, according to Fortune. Shortly after this setback, she became the chair and CEO of IHOP in 2001, as noted on LinkedIn.
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