DALLAS, Jan 12, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) announced that David Robinson, senior manager of supplier diversity, has been named to the Women's Business Council - Southwest (WBCS) Board of Directors.

Robinson joined the Council in 2007, shortly after beginning his post at Brinker. In April 2009, he accepted the Corporate Rising Star Award by the Council's Parade of Stars, in recognition of the growth of Brinker's supplier diversity program and contribution in utilizing women business enterprises.

"David has been a valuable ambassador for Brinker as we continue to cultivate relationships with minority and women-owned business enterprises like the WBCS," said Valerie Davisson, Chief Peopleworks Officer for Brinker International. "We're honored to have David represented in this leadership position, and we're confident his experience and ideas will strengthen the Council."

The WBCS is a regional affiliate of the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) covering Oklahoma, north Texas, Arkansas and New Mexico. WBCS is dedicated to increasing mutually beneficial procurement opportunities between certified women-owned businesses, corporations, businesses, government entities, institutions and other organizations.

Robinson joins a list of 32 members on the Council's current Board of Directors. The selection process begins with a call for nominations every year, and votes are cast by the nominating committee. Every newly elected sustaining member's term begins on Jan. 1 and lasts three years.

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), is one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than 1 million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker owns or franchises nearly 1,700 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories, and employs more than 125,000. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's(R) Grill & Bar, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R) and Maggiano's Little Italy(R). Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill(R). The company was named one of FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Food Service Companies in 2009 and was honored by the magazine as one of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and the Top 50 Employers for Women. For more information, visit http://www.brinker.com/.

SOURCE Brinker International, Inc.