Julia A. Stewart (born 1955) is an American businesswoman and the Chief Executive of DineEquity, America's largest casual dining company.[1] DineEquity was formed in 2007 when Stewart led IHOP to take over the larger Applebee's for US$1.9 billion and debt.[2] Prior to the takeover, Stewart had led IHOP through 18 consecutive quarters of growth by moving over to a primarily franchise-driven business model.[2] Prior to joining IHOP in 2001, she was president of Applebee's domestic division.[1] In 2007 Stewart ranked 49 on the Forbes Magazine list of the 50 Most Powerful Women.[3]