Name: Meghan Spuler
New title: Chief people officer, Red Robin
Previous title: Chief people officer, Eckerd Connects
Spuler, who has over two decades of experience in human resources spanning hospitality, consumer packaged goods and aerospace companies, will begin her position on Dec. 11 and succeeds Mark Simpson, who has been interim chief people officer since May. Simpson will remain at the company in an advisory capacity until the transition is complete, according to a press release.
In her most recent position at Eckerd, a nonprofit organization, she was responsible for “operationalizing key culture and staffing programs” at the nonprofit organization. Prior to that position, she spent five years at Bloomin’ Brands, where she oversaw leadership development, talent acquisition, inclusion and diversity and created human resources strategies. She also has worked at Pall Aeropower and Campbell Soup Company.
“Meghan’s expertise and proven reputation for championing cultures of inclusivity, high performance and Operations partnership will bring tremendous value to Red Robin as we continue to transform our brand for the future,” Red Robin President and CEO GJ Hart said in a statement. “With our permanent chief people officer role now in place, we’ve completed our industry-best leadership team that’s committed to Red Robin’s North Star plan, delivering exceptional Team Member, Guest and Shareholder value and building a healthy, sustainable brand for decades to come.”
What’s on Meghan Spuler’s plate: At Red Robin, Spuler will be responsible for overseeing corporate’s ongoing rollout and implementation of the company’s “market and managing partner compensation program, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, benefits and staffing, and People Team administration in support of Red Robin’s 22,400 Field and Restaurant Support Center Team Members,” per the release.
As part of the company’s North Star Plan, it has returned to its traditional management style, which relies on salaried managers. Previously, restaurants were run by general managers, assistant managers and hourly managers. The assistant manager position has been replaced by either a kitchen manager or hospitality manager. Red Robin also brought back certified training restaurants, allowing new leadership team members to learn from some of the best operators in the system instead of only receiving training in their home restaurants.
