Cheesecake Factory Shakes Up Leadership Team

Cheesecake Factory Inc. has appointed two new executives to its leadership team, the Calabasas company announced Friday. Former Brinker International Inc. executive Scarlett May will become executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of the company replacing Debby Zurzolo, who is retiring. In addition, Cheesecake Factory Chief Financial Officer Keith Carango will become president of the Cheesecake Factory Bakery Inc. He will replace Max Byfuglin, who retired from the company in April. The appointments are effective May 14. “Scarlett is an accomplished legal executive with significant restaurant industry experience, which will be an asset to the Cheesecake Factory,” Chief Executive David Overton said in a statement. “During Keith’s 22-year career with the bakery, he has provided strategic direction, operational excellence and financial stewardship, while working closely with sales and marketing, which positioned him to be the clear choice to lead the division forward.” Shares of Cheesecake Factory (CAKE) fell 20 cents, or a fraction of a percent, to close Friday at $53.56 on the Nasdaq.