Damola Ademolekun is the CEO of Red Lobster and he’s just 36 years old. In May 2024, the restaurant chain went through bankruptcy and had to close many locations because it had over $1 billion in debts. By September 2024, the company came out of bankruptcy and had a fresh start under new ownership and his leadership.
Even though the challenge was big, Damola wasn’t afraid. He brought the same hope and energy that helped him lead P.F. Chang’s. At Red Lobster, he is doing everything he can to make the brand shine again. Damola is focusing on better food, friendlier service and brighter restaurants.
Damola started his career as an intern at Goldman Sachs in 2008. He studied economics at Brown University and later attended Harvard Business School. He said, “There are people who are born and raised to do this, and they’re taught at a young age. I didn’t come from that world. I was teaching myself in high school and college… You have to become the person you need to be.
