Red Lobster has a new CEO — and he’s just getting started.
Damola Adamolekun, a 36-year-old business executive and investor, is now the new CEO of Red Lobster, bringing bold vision, experience, and cultural insight to one of the nation’s most recognizable restaurant brands. His appointment comes just years after making waves as the youngest CEO in the history of P.F. Chang’s, Afrotech reports.
Born to Nigerian parents and raised with a global perspective, Adamolekun is no stranger to navigating big roles at a young age. He earned degrees from Brown University and Harvard Business School before stepping into the world of private equity and hospitality leadership. His resume includes positions at Goldman Sachs, Paulson & Co., and a board seat with International Tower Hill Mines — but it was at P.F. Chang’s where his talent for transformation took center stage.
During his time as CEO at P.F. Chang’s, he led the brand through a major rebrand, expanded its reach, and brought in a fresh, modern edge while keeping its core identity intact. He didn’t just maintain tradition — he evolved it, helping the company weather a pandemic and reintroduce itself to a new generation of diners.
Now at Red Lobster, Adamolekun is stepping into another iconic legacy, this time as the youngest Black CEO to take the helm in the company’s history. With the restaurant industry still recovering from economic challenges and shifts in consumer habits, Adamolekun’s leadership is expected to bring innovation, operational excellence, and renewed energy to the beloved seafood chain.
But for him, it’s not just about turning profits — it’s about creating environments that reflect cultural depth, smart business, and long-term growth. He’s proof that young Black leaders belong in the C-suite, and not only that — they thrive there.
Because of him, the future of food and business leadership is looking a lot more flavorful.
Cover photo: Meet Damola Adamolekun, the 35-Year-Old CEO Leading Red Lobster Into a New Era / Photo Credit: Red Lobster