Company Hires New CFO and First Ever In-House General Counsel, Names New Corporate Chefs

COLUMBUS, Ohio (January 8, 2019) – Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) is kicking off the new year with some fresh faces on the leadership team. The renowned Columbus-based restaurant company is pleased to announce that J.R. Dehring has been named as the incoming chief financial officer. CMR also is adding a new, in-house vice president general counsel for the first time in the company’s 25-year history. Kerry Boyle will start this new role on January 7, 2019.

“We are thrilled to have J.R. and Kerry, who are already long-time raving fans of CMR, join our team,” said David Miller, president and chief operating officer of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. “We look forward to working with both of them as they contribute their expertise and vast experience to help our company grow and prepare for the future.”

Kerry Boyle

Before joining CMR, Boyle worked for more than two decades with Isaac Wiles practicing real estate business law, specializing in restaurant and hospitality. At Isaac Wiles, he worked with CMR as the restaurant company’s real estate attorney for the past 15 years.

Boyle has received several honors over the course of his legal career, including being named as one of the Best Lawyers in America for Real Estate Law, as well as an Ohio Super Lawyer (2014-2018) and an Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Star (2007, 2009-2013).

J.R. Dehring

Dehring most recently worked at IGS Energy where he was the vice president of finance. Prior to that, Dehring worked in the Boston area for Fidelity Investments, Grant Thornton and Price Waterhouse Coopers. Dehring, who brings more than 15 years of experience, will oversee all accounting and finance operations for the portfolio of CMR restaurants.

Over the course of his career, Dehring has garnered extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and analysis, investor relations and capital markets. In particular, he executed a capital market strategy at IGS, resulting in external commitments from investors and lenders in excess of $300 million. He also created a propriety project finance model to evaluate investments.

Dehring replaces current CFO Diane Smullen, a 22-year veteran of the restaurant company, who will be moving into a new role within CMR.
Both Dehring and Boyle reside in Upper Arlington with their families.

New Corporate Chefs

In addition to the new executive team hires, CMR is pleased to announce that regional chefs Jamie Kline and Ian Rough have been promoted to corporate chefs.

Jamie Kline

Kline began his career with CMR 23 years ago working his way up at Cap City Grandview. He also worked at several other CMR concepts including Martini before taking a position as a regional chef. In addition, Kline played an instrumental role in launching Cameron Mitchell Premier Events, the catering company for CMR.

Ian Rough

Rough has been with CMR for 17 years, beginning as a line cook at Cameron’s American Bistro. During the course of his career, he worked for a variety of concepts including M, Martini and Marcella’s, helping to open the Short North location. In his new role, Rough will oversee the growth of the national Ocean Prime brand in addition to supporting other CMR specialty restaurant concepts.

As corporate chefs, Kline and Rough will work with Brian Hinshaw, CMR’s senior vice president of food and beverage and operating partner, to help evolve the CMR brand as it continues to grow.

“As talented chefs and valued leaders, I look forward to working with Jamie and Ian to further support all of our restaurant concepts and help them succeed,” said Hinshaw. “A primary focus of CMR is on the growth and professional advancement of our associates and we continually look for opportunities to reward excellence while also recruiting new talent.”