GLENDALE, Calif., April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- DineEquity,
Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's
Neighborhood Grill & BarĀ® and IHOPĀ® restaurants, today
announced the appointment of Darren
Rebelez as president, IHOP brand, effective May 4, 2015. Mr. Rebelez, who most recently
served as Chief Operating Officer of 7-Eleven, Inc., the world's
largest convenience store chain, takes over for DineEquity Chief
Executive Officer Julia Stewart, who
for the last three-years has led IHOP's resurgence in the
additional role as Interim brand president.
During Mr. Rebelez's seven-plus years with 7-Eleven, the company
enjoyed both earnings and store growth, with Darren leading a drive
to improve operations and culture change. He was involved in
and led multiple functions for the company as part of his P&L
responsibility for more than 8,300 stores and 5,000
franchisees.
"Throughout our search process, we've focused on finding a very
specific person to fill the president's role and continue the
fantastic results and momentum we've built over the past few
years," said Ms. Stewart. "What was most important, and what
we've found in Darren, is someone with superior leadership
qualities, extensive experience and a unique understanding of the
franchisor/franchisee relationship. I look forward to
partnering with him as we continue to ensure the IHOP brand's
position as the number one choice for breakfast."
Previously, Mr. Rebelez held executive level positions with
ExxonMobil's On the Run convenience store division, working
directly with existing and new franchisees, while leading the
establishment of enhanced franchisee communications. He has
also served in executive positions for Fresh Serve Bakeries
(Dunkin' Donuts') for Thornton Oil Corporation, Daka
International's Fuddruckers brand and PepsiCo's KFC brand.
"IHOP is a one-of-a-kind brand that has endured as a beloved
dining option for more than five decades," said Mr. Rebelez.
"I'm excited by the opportunity to work alongside Julia in leading
a great team and franchise system, and a brand that has both a
tremendous history as well as a future that is built on fantastic
recent results."
About DineEquity, Inc.
Based in Glendale, California,
DineEquity, Inc., through its subsidiaries, franchises and operates
restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and
IHOP brands. With more than 3,600 restaurants combined in 19
countries, over 400 franchisees and approximately 200,000 team
members (including franchisee- and company-operated restaurant
employees), DineEquity is one of the largest full-service
restaurant companies in the world. For more information on
DineEquity, visit www.dineequity.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release may constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these
forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "will,"
"should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend,"
"plan" and other similar expressions. These statements involve
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may
cause actual results to be materially different from those
expressed or implied in such statements. These factors include, but
are not limited to: the effect of general economic conditions; the
Company's indebtedness; risk of future impairment charges; trading
volatility and the price of the Company's common stock; the
Company's results in any given period differing from guidance
provided to the public; the highly competitive nature of the
restaurant business; the Company's business strategy failing to
achieve anticipated results; risks associated with the restaurant
industry; risks associated with locations of current and future
restaurants; rising costs for food commodities and utilities;
shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of food;
ineffective marketing and guest relationship initiatives and use of
social media; changing health or dietary preferences; our
engagement in business in foreign markets; harm to our brands'
reputation; litigation; third-party claims with respect to
intellectual property assets; environmental liability; liability
relating to employees; failure to comply with applicable laws and
regulations; failure to effectively implement restaurant
development plans; our dependence upon our franchisees;
concentration of Applebee's franchised restaurants in a limited
number of franchisees; credit risk from IHOP franchisees operating
under our previous business model; termination or non-renewal of
franchise agreements; franchisees breaching their franchise
agreements; insolvency proceedings involving franchisees; changes
in the number and quality of franchisees; inability of franchisees
to fund capital expenditures; heavy dependence on information
technology; the occurrence of cyber incidents or a deficiency in
our cybersecurity; failure to execute on a business continuity
plan; inability to attract and retain talented employees; risks
associated with retail brand initiatives; failure of our internal
controls; and other factors discussed from time to time in the
Company's Annual and Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and
in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this
release are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no
obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking
statements.
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SOURCE DineEquity, Inc.