Laura Williamson is Senior Vice President of Finance of Olive Garden and an Officer of the parent company, Darden Restaurants, Inc. In this role, she is responsible for overall financial planning and analysis, operations analysis and control, marketing analysis, and capital development review for a brand with more than 890 restaurants.
Laura began her career with Darden in 1997 as Supervisor of Sales Cash. Since then, she has held many positions of increasing responsibility in various areas of Accounting, Brand Finance and Enterprise Finance. Her experience includes eight years with Red Lobster at the Analyst, Sr. Analyst, Manager and Director levels, roles supporting Darden Restaurants as Director of Finance and Strategy, Director of Corporate Analysis and as Senior Director of Finance for Olive Garden. Most recently, Laura served as Senior Vice President, Finance for LongHorn Steakhouse.
Laura holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.