Julia Stewart

Julia Stewart is an entrepreneur and former public-company CEO with extensive experience in creating and building global businesses and brands across hospitality and wellness. She is recognized for increasing sales, profits, and shareholder value through accelerated innovation, high-performance cultures, bold leadership, and results-driven strategies. She is currently the Founder and CEO of Alurx, leading the development of Alura AI (codename), an AI-powered wellness platform designed to shift health and wellness from reactive, diagnostic care to proactive, preventive solutions. Alura AI is the first hyper-personalized, voice-activated, interactive wellness coach, delivering science-backed activities that support sustained habit changes and improve health outcomes for individuals and enterprises alike.

Her leadership drove the rejuvenation and growth at companies such as Taco Bell, Applebee’s, and IHOP. Most recently, she served almost 20 years as Chair and CEO of IHOP and subsequently, Dine Brands Global (NYSE: DIN). Through her strategic vision, IHOP acquired Applebee’s, resulting in the creation of Dine Brands, the world’s largest sit-down restaurant chain. Because of her enduring career and numerous accomplishments, Fortune magazine named her one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in the U.S.

She has also served on numerous public, private, and nonprofit boards. She currently serves as a board member of Colorado Premium, a leader in the sous-vide and finished protein industry, and Bojangles Restaurants, a rapidly expanding restaurant chain.

A sought-after consultant and speaker, Stewart advises organizations on leadership, innovation, AI-enabled business models, and change management. She regularly shares insights with executive audiences on how purpose, culture, resilience, and disciplined decision-making drive long-term value creation.

She is a cum laude graduate of San Diego State University and holds an Honorary Doctorate in Business from Johnson & Wales University. She has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership, innovation, and impact across industries.