Orlando, Fla.-based Darden Restaurants — the owner of Red Lobster and Olive Garden and last-year-acquired Atlanta-based RARE Hospitality, owner of Longhorn Steakhouse and Capital Grille — has announced the appointment of Cindy M. Swinson as vice president and division general counsel.

Swinson, who previously was counsel to The Nemours Foundation in Jacksonville, Fla., will report directly to Paula J. Shives, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary for Darden Restaurants.