Cheesecake Factory Inc. said Tuesday it named W. Douglas Benn as chief financial officer. He succeeds comptroller Cheryl Slomann, who served as interim CFO for the Calabasas-based casual dining chain after the resignation of Michael Dixon in July.

Benn most recently served as CFO of Rare Hospitality International, which owned LongHorn Steakhouse and Capital Grille before its October 2007 sale to Darden Restaurants Inc.

“Doug is a proven leader with an extensive background in the restaurant industry and we are delighted to have him join us,” Chief Executive David Overton said in a statement. “He is a strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to positively influence the growth goals and direction of a company.

Cheesecake Factory shares were down 67 cents, or 7.6 percent, to $8.11 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.