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Damola Adamolekun

CEO at P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc.

Damola Adamolekun is a prominent business executive with extensive experience in the restaurant industry. He currently serves as the CEO of Red Lobster, a position he assumed in September 2024.4 Prior to this, Adamolekun was the CEO and a member of the Board of Directors at P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc., a role he held from February 2019 to 2024.1

Professional Experience

Adamolekun's career includes several notable positions:

  • CEO of Red Lobster (September 2024 - Present)4
  • CEO and Board Member at P.F. Chang's (February 2019 - 2024)1
  • Partner at Paulson & Co. (June 2016 - Present)1
  • Member of the Board of Directors at the National Restaurant Association (January 2023 - Present)1

Education

Adamolekun has a strong educational background:

  • Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Harvard Business School (2015 - 2017)1
  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Brown University (2007 - 2011)1

Leadership Style

As a leader, Adamolekun emphasizes the importance of a people-first culture in his organizations. He has been involved in restaurant makeovers, adapting to COVID-19 challenges, and implementing automation technology in the restaurant industry.3 His approach to leadership includes starting his day with a workout followed by coffee, which he believes sets the foundation for the rest of his day.2

Adamolekun's career trajectory showcases his rapid rise in the restaurant industry, becoming CEO of P.F. Chang's at the age of 33 and later taking on the role of CEO at Red Lobster. His experience spans various aspects of the restaurant business, including operations, investment, and strategic leadership.

Highlights

Jul 18 · linkedin

Cheers to 30 years. We’re raising a glass for P.F. Chang's birthday and rolling out the Lucky 8 Happy Hour menu at all locations across the United States, featuring signature bites and fan-favorite cocktails. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dVuR_yZj

Jul 11 · linkedin

P.F. Chang's is celebrating its 30th birthday this month, a milestone that wouldn’t be possible without the incredible people behind the #brand. Three decades later, our #PeopleFirstCulture is built upon those who have been here since the beginning.   One of my favorite staff stories is the brother duo of Rigoberto Rubalcava and Carmelo Rubalcava. Back in 1993, Rigo was recruited to open our first location in Scottsdale. He eventually brought in his brother to help with the opening because he knew he could count on his experience, passion and work ethic.

Since then, they have grown exponentially. Today, Rigo is our international Director of Culinary Operations and Carmelo is our national Director of Culinary Operations. After all this time, they love the job (and the food) as much as ever – maybe even more!

You might think there would be a sibling rivalry after years of working together, but neither Rigo nor Carmelo will call themselves the best. When asked individually who the better cook is, they both answered, “we’re equals.”

Congratulations on 30 years, Rigo and Carmelo! We're grateful for all you've done for P.F. Chang's.

Related Questions

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Damola Adamolekun
Damola Adamolekun, photo 1
Damola Adamolekun, photo 2
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Experience

CEO, Board of Directors at P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. since February 2019
Member Board of Directors at National Restaurant Association since January 2023, Partner at Paulson & Co. since June 2016

Education

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Harvard Business School (2015 - 2017), B.A. from Brown University (2007 - 2011)

Location

Scottsdale, Arizona, United States