Brinker Elevates Felix to EVP and CMO, Awards $600K Salary and $750K Equity
Brinker International has promoted George Felix to executive vice president and chief marketing officer, adding Maggiano’s Little Italy to his Chili’s remit after he delivered 19 straight quarters of same-store sales growth. He will earn a $600,000 base salary, 75% bonus target and $750,000 in equity awards.
1. Promotion and Responsibilities
George Felix has been promoted from senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Chili’s Grill & Bar to executive vice president and chief marketing officer for both Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy, reporting to CEO Kevin Hochman. In this expanded role he will oversee strategy and execution of marketing programs across both brands, including the ‘Back to Maggiano’s’ initiative aimed at clarifying brand positioning and driving performance.
2. Marketing Achievements
Since joining as CMO of Chili’s in July 2022, Felix has driven 19 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, spearheading campaigns such as the viral cheese pull for the Triple Dipper and value promotions like 3-for-Me and the Big QP Burger. During his tenure, Brinker’s market capitalization rose from $1.3 billion to $6.25 billion as of March 2, 2026.
3. Felix’s Compensation
In his new role, Felix will receive a $600,000 annual base salary, a target bonus equal to 75% of base pay and equity-based awards valued at $750,000, granted as a mix of restricted stock units and performance-based RSUs under Brinker’s incentive plan.
4. CFO Compensation Increase
Brinker’s board also approved a compensation adjustment for CFO Mika Ware, raising her base salary to $675,000 with a 75% bonus target and annual equity-based awards valued at $900,000 in a mix of RSUs and performance RSUs to align with peer-group medians.