Biography

Richard Celio was appointed Chief Restaurant Support Officer of DineEquity, inc. with the acquisition of Applebee’s International, Inc. by the Company in November 2007. He is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the shared services functions of the Applebee’s and IHOP brands, including information technology, quality assurance, supply chain management, and new business development.

Previously, Mr. Celio served as Vice President, Franchise & Development for the IHOP brand since March 1997. Prior to joining IHOP, he served as senior vice president of development for CKE Restaurants, Inc., parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants nationwide. In his eight-year tenure with the company, Mr. Celio also served as general counsel and corporate secretary, managing international franchise, property and real estate development. Previously, Mr. Celio was a partner in the Anaheim-based law firm Holden, Fergus and Celio.

Mr. Celio holds a MBA and a bachelor's degree from University of Southern California, as well as a JD from Western State University School of Law and is a member of the California State Bar Association.