Michaela M. Ware is a seasoned finance executive with over two decades of experience in the hospitality and retail sectors. She joined Brinker International Inc. in 2018 as Senior Vice President of Finance before ascending to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2021. Prior to Brinker, Ware held key positions at Yum! Brands, where she oversaw financial planning and analysis for international operations, contributing to the company's expansion into emerging markets. She began her career at Deloitte, where she honed her expertise in audit and advisory services, earning her CPA certification early on. Ware holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from Harvard Business School, which equipped her with a strong foundation in strategic financial management. In her current role at Brinker International Inc., the parent company of Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy, Ware is responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, investor relations, and risk management. She has been instrumental in navigating the company through economic challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by implementing cost-optimization initiatives that preserved profitability and supported franchise growth. Under her leadership, Brinker achieved record revenue in fiscal year 2023, driven by innovative digital transformation efforts and menu pricing strategies that enhanced operational efficiency. Ware's achievements extend beyond corporate finance; she is a recognized advocate for diversity in leadership, serving on the board of the National Association of Black Accountants and mentoring emerging female executives in the industry. Her strategic acumen has earned her accolades, including being named one of Fortune's "Most Powerful Women in Business" in 2022. Committed to sustainable practices, Ware has spearheaded Brinker's ESG initiatives, focusing on reducing the company's environmental footprint while driving long-term shareholder value.