In an unexpected note Steve Lumpkin, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer for Applebee’s International, Inc. has been voted again as one of the best CFOs in the United States. It has been stated, that it is for the second year in a row and the shareholders and analysts have chosen him without the slightest hesitation. 

The renowned Institutional Investor magazine surveyed among nearly 800 analysts and portfolio managers at more than 400 money management firms who are responsible for investing $6.3 trillion in U.S. stocks. It was asked to them to name the best CFOs in the industry sectors for which they are responsible. It was there revealed where Lumpkin was ranked third of all restaurant companies’ CFOs. McDonald’s ranked first and Starbucks ranked second.

Applebee’s International, Inc., is renowned in the international arena for its development and escalation of vast network principles of high excellence in business, franchises and operation of restaurants under the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar brand, the largest casual dining concept in the world. It functions from its headquarter in Overland Park, Kan. It has been estimated that by February 2007, there were 1,942 restaurants operating system-wide in 49 states, 16 international countries, and one U.S. territory. It has a well-earned reputation for excellence in its sound process of investor relations. The company for its notable performance and the best overall investor relations team of any small-cap company in America has won the Grand Prix and has been recognized by the IR Magazine for the fourth consecutive year. On the very last year, the company was voted as the “Most Shareholder Friendly” restaurant company by Institutional Investor Magazine.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Dave Goebel, the Chief Executive Officer said, “The investment community clearly recognizes Steve’s incredible talents. It is because of those talents that Steve has a growing scope of accountabilities at Applebee’s. He now serves as chief financial officer, chief strategy officer and oversees the company’s supply chain and international operations. Steve has a unique ability to think strategically while focusing on the financial levers of the company, especially as we explore strategic alternatives to strengthen the business and improve shareholder value.”