DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE:DIN), the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP restaurants, today announced the appointment of Daniel del Olmo as president, international, effective December 16, 2013. Mr. del Olmo, who most recently served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Wyndham Hotel Group for Wyndham Worldwide, was instrumental in the international growth of multiple hotel brands at Wyndham.
With the hiring of Mr. del Olmo, DineEquity will for the first time consolidate its international operations and development for the Applebee’s and IHOP brands. Mr. del Olmo, who will be based in DineEquity’s corporate headquarters in Glendale, CA, will lead a single team that will serve the needs of international franchisees and work to grow the global footprint of DineEquity’s iconic brands.
“A fundamental priority wherever we do business is to capitalize on every opportunity to leverage the full power of DineEquity and help our franchisees succeed and grow,” said Julia A. Stewart, DineEquity, Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The success of all our franchisees across the globe is our mission, and the key to the worldwide success and growth of DineEquity is a focus on developing each brand’s unique presence around the world. In Daniel, we have found a tremendous leader who has a track record of success.”
Mr. del Olmo served 11 years at Wyndham in senior management positions with global scope, and previously served in international roles with Amadeus Global Travel Distribution and Melia Hotels International. During his tenure, Wyndham’s international presence experienced significant growth and now includes over 1,200 hotels in 66 countries. Mr. del Olmo also laid the groundwork for future international growth and oversaw the execution of several multi-unit transactions to develop Super8 and Travelodge hotels in Brazil.
“Applebee’s and IHOP have great international appeal and tremendous brand equity,” said Mr. del Olmo. “I’m excited by the opportunity to lead a great team that has the opportunity to enhance operations for both brands in existing markets and to strategically bring the quality food and dining experience each are known for to new countries around the world.”
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.
