Ruth’s Hospitality Group has announced that Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Bob Vincent will transition to a newly created position of Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy. Effective August 8, 2011 Mr. Vincent will be responsible for formulating and executing the Company’s corporate strategy, including evaluating domestic and international expansion opportunities, along with other related efforts intended to enhance long term shareholder value. Mr. Vincent has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since February 2008 and has more than 30 years of executive experience, including previous leadership roles at Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation, Omega Corporation, and Boston Restaurant Associates, Inc.
Effective August 8, 2011 Arne Haak will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Haak brings more than 20 years of senior level finance and planning experience to Ruth’s Hospitality, with a diverse skill set that encompasses corporate finance, financial planning and analysis, investor relations, treasury management, purchasing, strategic planning, pricing and revenue management. He most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer of AirTran Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV).
During his tenure at AirTran Airways, Mr. Haak served as Director of Financial Analysis, Director of Corporate Finance, Vice President of Finance & Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure at AirTran, Arne was instrumental in AirTran achieving successful growth and obtaining the lowest unit costs among major U.S. airlines. Some of his notable achievements as Chief Financial Officer include restoring the company’s financial stability in 2008, which resulted in a record cash position, and the highest level of profitability in company history in 2009. Additionally, he played a key role in AirTran’s evaluation and subsequent acquisition by Southwest Airlines. Prior to AirTran Airways, Mr. Haak served for seven years in various pricing and revenue management positions at U.S. Airways, Inc. (NYSE: LCC).
Michael O’Donnell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, stated, “Creating a new position within our senior management structure devoted solely to corporate strategy reflects one of the most important and positive leadership changes at Ruth’s Hospitality in recent years. As CFO, Bob Vincent has provided our Company with sound leadership during very challenging economic times, including, most notably, strengthening our financial condition through the restructuring of our balance sheet and streamlining of our operations. He has proven to be an invaluable member of our organization and is ideally suited to assist in our strategic efforts as we build upon our current momentum and lay the groundwork for long-term expansion of our restaurant concepts. As Bob assumes his new role, we are also excited to welcome Arne as our incoming CFO. Arne is a uniquely qualified individual and respected financial leader who brings to Ruth’s Hospitality an impressive track record of strengthening organizations and creating value for shareholders. He is a seasoned executive who is highly regarded for his broad range of expertise and we are confident he is well-suited for his new role on our leadership team. Together, Bob, Arne, and I look forward to evaluating opportunities that will benefit our shareholders over the long run.”
Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. is a leading restaurant company focused exclusively on the upscale dining segment. The Company owns the Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Mitchell’s Steakhouse and Cameron’s Steakhouse concepts. With more than 150 company- and franchisee-owned locations worldwide, Ruth’s Hospitality Group was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Heathrow, Fla.