Del Taco names new transformation, marketing chiefs
Weeks after acquiring the chain, Yadav Enterprises is shaking up Del Taco’s C-suite.
The restaurant company has named three new executives to the quick-serve chain’s executive leadership team, including two to its C-suite. Yadav says that the appointments reflect a “focused commitment to evolving the brand while honoring the legacy that has defined Del Taco for decades.”
Last December, Yadav’s $119 million acquisition of Del Taco from Jack in the Box Inc. was finalized. The deal was first announced in October, after the burger giant said it was exploring the sale of Del as part of a plan to strengthen its balance sheet and return Jack in the Box to a simpler, “asset-light” business model. Jack in the Box Inc. acquired Del Taco in 2022 for approximately $585 million.
“For more than half a century, Del Taco has been writing a compelling brand story, supported by generations of loyal guests and passionate franchisees, and as we enter our next chapter, we are deeply committed to a foundation anchored by talented and experienced leaders who share our vision for growth and impact,” said Anil Yadav, CEO of Yadav Enterprises. “Every executive who occupies a seat around our leadership table is part of a thoughtful approach to strengthen the organization and is responsible for making disciplined decisions that benefit our franchise partners, team members and guests, while positioning the brand to perform and scale for the long term.”
Del Taco’s new executive appointments include the following:
Ulyses Camacho, chief transformation officer
Ulyses Camacho has been named chief transformation officer of Del Taco, expanding his current Yadav role. Effective immediately, he will oversee the enterprise-wide transformation initiatives supporting Yadav’s acquisition of Del Taco. In this newly-created position, Camacho will work with other Yadav leaders across the organization to drive “operational excellence, financial performance and scalable growth,” focusing primarily on strengthening unit-level execution, optimizing cost structures and modernizing systems and processes.
Camacho brings to the expanded role nearly 30 years of franchise restaurant experience. In addition to his role as chief transformation officer, he will continue to serve as president and chief operating officer of Taco Cabana (another brand in Yadav’s portfolio).
Noah Chillingworth, chief marketing officer
Noah Chillingworth has been named chief marketing officer of Del Taco. Chillingworth spent over 15 years as Del Taco’s VP of marketing, and has returned to the brand after a year-long stint as chief marketing officer for Farmer Boys Restaurants. Going forward, Chillingworth will lead Del Taco brand strategy, menu and promotional marketing, digital and loyalty platforms and guest insights.
Ellen Sasada, VP, supply chain, food safety & quality assurance
Ellen Sasada returns to Del Taco as VP of supply chain, food safety & quality assurance. In her new role, she will lead end-to-end supply chain strategy, food safety and quality assurance, with a focus on cost discipline, supplier partnerships and consistent, high-quality execution across the system. Sasada previously spent eight years with Del Taco, where she led purchasing, quality assurance and food safety initiatives. Most recently, she served as executive director of protein and multi concepts at Panda Restaurant Group.
Founded in 1964, Del Taco operates nearly 600 restaurants across 17 states.
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Yadav Enterprises oversees a system of more than 1,100 restaurants nationwide. The company is the franchisor of Del Taco, Taco Cabana and Nick the Greek, and is also the largest franchisee of Jack in the Box, Denny’s and TGI Fridays, among other restaurant investments.
