Kiernan named president of casual dining chain Olive Garden.

Darden Restaurants appointed Dave George to the newly created position of executive vice president and chief operating officer. Company veteran Dan Kiernan replaces George as president of Olive Garden.Dave George

In his new role for the multiconcept operator, George will maintain his oversight of Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52 and International Franchising while adding Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen to his leadership portfolio. George was named president of Olive Garden in 2013 and executive vice president for Darden Restaurants in 2016. He joined Darden in 2007 as president of LongHorn Steakhouse where he had served since 2003. 

Kiernan joined Olive Garden as a manager-in-training in 1992 and worked his way through the operations system – moving from general manager to director of operations to senior vice president, operations. He was named executive vice president, operations in 2011.