#4 Discussion with Barington Capital: James Mitarotonda, Gus Vlak and Starboard Value take on Darden (Olive Garden Restaurants)

In this episode, we sit down for a discussion with Jim and Gus of Barington Capital, and we take a deep dive into the pivotal 2013 investment in Darden Restaurants by Barington and Starboard Value. This high-profile partnership marked a turning point for the iconic restaurant chain, setting the stage for one of the most remarkable corporate transformations in recent history. We explore the strategic moves that reshaped Darden’s operations, including Starboard Value’s role in driving change through bold leadership and shareholder activism. From overhauling the board of directors to improving operational efficiency and unlocking value, this episode offers an inside look at the strategies and decisions that revitalized the company and set a new standard for corporate governance.

Om Podcasten

Learn from history's greatest shareholder activists and investors. We study cases of shareholder activism and learn about successful activist strategies when dealing with an entrenched management or board. “You have to understand how the system is structured. The guy who gets to the top of the big corporations is, with notable exceptions, a political animal. He’s a survivor. He knows how to watch his back. That means hiring a number two guy that’s not as smart as him. That works for the CEO because he’s never threatened by his second in command “But think what that does to our corporates..."