Julia Stewart (businesswoman)

Julia A. Stewart (born August 4, 1955) is an American businesswoman and was the Chief Executive of DineEquity, America's largest casual dining company. DineEquity was formed in 2007 when Stewart led IHOP to take over the larger Applebee's for US$1.9 billion and debt. Prior to the takeover, Stewart had led IHOP through 18 consecutive quarters of growth by moving over to a primarily franchise-driven business model. Prior to joining IHOP in 2001, she was president of Applebee's domestic division. In 2007 Stewart ranked 49 on the Forbes magazine list of the 50 Most Powerful Women.