Red Lobster has hired Nichole Robillard as its new CMO as it continues to build out its C-suite after emerging from bankruptcy.
Robillard will lead the casual-dining chain’s marketing, communications and culinary teams and will play a key role in the chain’s next chapter, Red Lobster said in a press release.
Robillard has more than 20 years of marketing experience and was most recently CMO of Smokey Bones, where she guided the casual-dining barbecue chain through a rebrand. She spent nearly four years there.
She also has operations experience from her role opening Beuchert’s Saloon, a farm-to-table restaurant in Washington, D.C., early in her career.
Nichole Robillard | Photo courtesy of Red Lobster
"Nichole's ability to blend creative vision with operational expertise makes her the perfect leader for this role," said Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun in a statement. "As we look to reconnect with longtime guests and reach new audiences, Nichole's leadership will help us remind the world what they love about Red Lobster and invite them to experience it again.”
Robillard is Red Lobster’s second new executive hire this week following the appointment of Bob Baker as CFO on Tuesday.
The chain is rebuilding its C-suite post-bankruptcy under a new owner and a new CEO in Adamolekun, who has been charged with turning the brand around after years of declining performance.
Marketing will no doubt be a part of that effort, as Red Lobster will look to reconnect with lapsed customers as well as attract new ones.
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