Retired President, CEO & Chairman of the Board
Brinker International 

Doug Brooks is the former Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President for Brinker International, Inc., whose current brands include Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®. 

Doug earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Houston in 1975. 

He joined Chili’s in February 1978 as a manager at the company’s original location on Greenville Avenue in Dallas. He rose through the ranks at Chili’s, holding numerous positions including General Manager, Area Director, and Regional Vice President. Doug was named President of the brand in 1994. In January 1999, he was promoted to President and COO of Brinker International. CEO and Chairman of the Board were added to his title and responsibilities in 2004. In January 2013, Doug handed the reigns over as CEO and President, and later stepped down as Chairman in November 2013 after a successful transition of leadership. Doug is still working in a consulting role at Brinker International. 

Today, Doug serves on the board of directors for Southwest Airlines and is an Emeritus Board of Director for Limbs for Life Foundation. He also serves on the professional advisory board of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, Vandelay Hospitality Advisory Board and is the Chairman for the Dean’s Advisory Board for Conrad Hilton College University of Houston as well as the University of Houston Board of Visitors. He formerly served on Boards of Club Corp, AutoZone, and the University of Houston System Board of Regents. 

Outside of his business and community activities, Doug spends his time with his wife of more than 46 years, Holly, and their two sons, Taylor and Kyle, daughter-in-law, Laura and granddaughters, Isabella, Livi, Bridget and Chloe. 

Awards and Honors 

“Distinguished Alumni Hilton College” from University of Houston (2020) 

“Millennium Advisory Board Icon Award” (2020) 

“Business Hall of Fame” from Junior Achievement of Dallas (2015) 

“Chili’s Hall of Fame Inaugural Member” (2015) 

“Distinguished Alumni Award” from University of Houston (2014) 

“Hall of Honor” from Texas Restaurant Association (2014) 

“Hall of Fame Award” from Maggiano’s Little Italy (2013) 

“Michael F. Tamer Award” from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2012) 

“Byron Nelson Award” from Northern Texas Professional Golfers’ Association (2012) 

“Distinguished Alumni Award” from Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas (2012) 

“2011 CEO Diversity Champion Award” from Texas Diversity Council (2011) “Distinguished Alumni Chair “from Conrad Hilton School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, University of Houston (2010) 

“The Norman Award” from Nation’s Restaurant News (2010) 

“Hospitality Industry Hall of Honor” from Conrad Hilton School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, University of Houston (2010) 

“Workforce Legacy Award” from People Report (2009) 

“Commencement Speaker” from Conrad Hilton School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, University of Houston (2007) 

“Ellis Island Medal of Honor” from National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (2004) 

“Golden Chain Award” from Nation’s Restaurant News (2003)