Ruth's Hospitality Group Inc. announced that Giannella Alvarezhas been elected to serve as an independent member of the Board of Directors effective February 2, 2016. With her election, the Board is now comprised of seven members, six of whom are independent. Ms. Alvarez will stand for election by vote of the shareholders at the next annual meeting.

Ms. Alvarez has had a career in U.S. and international consumer products goods with premier brands and companies for more than 25 years. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Harmless Harvest. Ms. Alvarez is a Director on the Board at Domtar Corp.

Giannella Alvarez became CEO of Harmless Harvest in 2015. Previously, Ms. Alvarez served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Pet Business Unit at Del Monte Foods, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer from 2013 to 2014. Ms. Alvarez is a Member of the International Women's Forum, Northern California Chapter.

She is also a Member of the Women Corporate Directors (WCD) in Northern California. Ms. Alvarez has served on the board for the not-for-profit organizations Water.org, Hands on Atlanta and First Robotics National Championship in the Georgia Advisory Board.