The Digital Conglomerate Magazine Inc - December 2013 Issue | Page 7

It isn’t really the menu selection that drives loyalists in droves to a Darden favorite, Red
Lobster. The whole image behind each restaurant brand speaks quality, and if need be pricy.

With two progressive leaders on the executive team the company
continues to grow and meet new expectations from customers. Both
executives have impressive and extensive backgrounds which led them
on their paths to eventually position themselves into leadership roles
within Darden.

Will Setliff was named Chief Marketing Officer for Darden Restaurants in January 2013.
A member of Darden’s Operating Team, Will is responsible for strengthening overall
marketing, culinary and insights excellence and ensuring a strong foundation at each
brand, elevating innovation to drive long-term growth, and directing Darden’s marketing
talent strategy.
Darden is the world's largest full-service restaurant operating company with annual
sales of more than $8.5 billion. The company owns and operates more than 2,100 Red
Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The
Capital Grille, Eddie V’s and Yard House restaurants in North America, employs more
than 200,000 people and serves more than 425 million meals annually. In 2013, Darden
was named to the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the third year in
a row.
Previously, Will served as Executive Vice President of Marketing for Darden’s Specialty
Restaurant Group (SRG). In that role, he served as SRG’s brand steward with
responsibility for transforming consumer insights into a clear, compelling and distinct
brand identity that delivered increased guest counts, improved margins and overall
guest satisfaction.
Will has more than 20 years of marketing experience across a variety of industries.
Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for Target. In this role,
he held
responsibility for brand and category marketing, designer partnerships, licensing, owned
brand strategy, enterprise strategy and consumer insights. Earlier in his tenure at
Target, Will also had responsibility for digital marketing and enterprise innovation.

Will Setliff
Senior Vice President
Chief Marketing Officer

Prior to Target, Will was a senior vice president at advertising giant TBWA, focused on
leading client strategy and new business development.
Will holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Florida.

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