Darden's Board Appoints William S. Simon To Board Of Directors

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed William S. Simon to the company's Board, effective immediately. As a result of this action, the Board also voted to expand the number of seats on the Board to 13. Simon, most recently the Chief Executive Officer of Walmart U.S. and a former senior executive at Brinker International, previously served on Darden's Board for two years but did not stand for re-election at the Company's Annual Meeting earlier this month. The Board will continue to evaluate additional qualified candidates and may, or may not, make an additional appointment to the Board in the future. Speaking on behalf of the Board, Jeffrey C. Smith, Darden's Independent Non-Executive Chairman, commented, "My fellow Board members and I are pleased that Bill has agreed to return as a Director. As previously indicated, we were willing to consider the right former director with the skill sets, experience and perspectives that would best complement the new Board members. Given Bill's extensive experience leading global consumer retail companies as well as his experience with companies in the restaurant, food and beverage industries, he certainly fits that criteria." Commenting on the appointment, Simon said, "Darden has a solid foundation in place, and I'm excited to be a part of the new Board as we work to build on the current momentum and unlock the Company's full potential." Simon, 55, served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart U.S. from June 2010 to August 2014. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Walmart U.S. from March 2007 to June 2010 and Executive Vice President of Professional Services and New Business Development from March 2006 to March 2007. Prior to joining Walmart, Simon held senior executive positions at Brinker International, Inc., Diageo North America, Inc. and Cadbury Schweppes plc. Simon also served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Management Services and served 25 years in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves.