Bob Evans Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ:BOBE) today named Saed Mohseni President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2016. The Bob Evans Board has also agreed to appoint Mr. Mohseni to the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2016.
Mr. Mohseni is the Chief Executive Officer of Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:BBRG) (“Bravo Brio”) and also a Director, positions he will hold through December 28, 2015. He held the additional role of President from September 2009 to August 2014 and served as a director since June 2006.
“Saed Mohseni brings dynamic leadership to Bob Evans, and a notable track record as a restaurant operator with an intense focus on raising the quality of the overall guest experience,” said Doug Benham, Chair of the Bob Evans Board of Directors. “The CEO Search Committee conducted a careful, extensive review over many months and the Board unanimously concluded that Saed was the right person to lead Bob Evans in fulfilling its potential. His energy, the depth of his knowledge of all aspects of the industry, and his ability to lead a team to perform at a higher level made him the standout candidate. We look forward to his joining us in January 2016.”
“Bob Evans is an iconic brand with a long track record of providing its restaurant guests with farm fresh food and outstanding service, while building a successful and expanding foods business,” said Mr. Mohseni. “I look forward to working with the dedicated people of Bob Evans to build on this foundation, providing an excellent experience for our guests, and opportunity for our employees, while sustainably improving margins and creating value for its shareholders.”
Mr. Mohseni, 53, has more than 30 years of management experience in the restaurant industry. He currently also serves on the Board of Directors of Chuy’s Holding, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHUY). Prior to joining Bravo Brio, Mr. Mohseni was the Chief Executive Officer (January 2000-February 2007) and a director (2004-2007) of McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants, Inc. Mr. Mohseni joined McCormick & Schmick’s in 1986 as a General Manager. During his time at McCormick & Schmick’s, he also held the positions of Senior Manager (1988-1993), Vice President of Operations-California (1993-1997), and Senior Vice President of Operations (1997-1999).
