Sweet Revenge: From Snubbed to CEO at Applebee's
In a remarkable tale of ambition and retribution, Julia Stewart, former CEO of DineEquity Inc., revealed how she turned a professional setback into a stunning victory. The story, recounted during an April 2025 appearance on the 'Matthews Mentality Podcast,' involves a broken promise, a bold career move, and ultimately, the acquisition of Applebee's.
Stewart explained that while serving as president of Applebee's, she was allegedly offered the CEO position if she could make the company profitable. She dedicated herself to the task, successfully turning the company around. However, when the time came, the then-CEO reneged on his promise, denying her the top job.
Undeterred, Stewart moved on to IHOP, where she eventually rose to a position that allowed her to orchestrate a takeover of Applebee's for a staggering $2.3 billion in the '00s. With the acquisition complete, Stewart seized the opportunity to fire the very man who had once denied her the CEO role. This move solidified her reputation as a formidable business leader.
This story highlights the power of perseverance and the potential for achieving success even after facing significant obstacles. Stewart's journey from a president denied a promotion to the CEO of a parent company overseeing Applebee's serves as an inspiration for aspiring executives everywhere.
Key Takeaways:
- Julia Stewart was promised the CEO role at Applebee's if she made the company profitable.
- After succeeding, the offer was withdrawn.
- Stewart later led IHOP to acquire Applebee's and subsequently fired her former boss.
- The story highlights the power of resilience and strategic career moves.