ORLANDO, FLA. — Darden Restaurants Inc. has expanded its board of directors from nine members to 10 with the new appointment of Daryl Kenningham, effective immediately.

“My fellow board members and I are delighted to welcome Daryl to the board,” said Cynthia Jamison, chair of the Darden Restaurants board of directors. “His extensive experience with multi-unit operations, as well as his current role leading a large, dispersed organization will be tremendous assets to our board.”

Kenningham has served as president and chief executive officer of Group 1 Automotive, a leading automotive retailer with operations in the United States and United Kingdom, since January 2023. Before becoming CEO, Kenningham held other positions within the company, such as the chief operating officer and president of US operations. Currently, Kenningham serves on the board of directors of Group 1 Automotive and on the board of directors for the Greater Houston Partnership.

“Darden, with its impressive portfolio of brands, is an accomplished, well-respected company throughout the industry,” Kenningham said. “I look forward to serving on this board and working closely with my fellow members and Darden’s leadership team to ensure the company remains the leader in full-service dining while continuing to deliver value for shareholders.”

Darden Restaurants’ portfolio includes brands like Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy’s, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s and Bahama Breeze.