Pollo Campero taps restaurant veteran as U.S. CEO
Guatemalan-born restaurant chain Pollo Campero has named a new leader of its U.S. business.
The quick-serve brand known for its fried and roasted chicken has named Julio Sánchez as CEO, effective immediately. In the role, he will lead the next phase of growth for Pollo Campero USA, focusing on improving operations, accelerating same-store sales growth, increasing brand awareness and elevating the guest experience.
Sánchez has more than 25 years of restaurant industry experience, with roles focused on operations, franchising, development and transformation across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.
[READ MORE: El Pollo Loco to make New York debut as its moves east]
Most recently, Sánchez served as chief operating officer of CKE International, the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee’s, after being promoted from the role of general manager of the Americas. He previously held leadership roles at Pizza Hut, including chief customer officer for Latin America and the Caribbean, Burger King and Church's Chicken.
“Julio combines deep operational expertise with sound business judgment and a proven record of delivering results,” said José Gregorio Baquero, global CEO of Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI) Foods, Pollo Campero’s parent company. “He is the right leader to guide Campero into its next stage of growth.”
Founded in 1971, Pollo Campero operates more than 400 restaurants across the U.S., Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras and Ecuador. It has more than 150 locations in the U.S.
“I was immediately drawn to Campero’s heritage, sense of hospitality and, of course, flavor,” said Sánchez. “As we bring Pollo Campero to more communities across the U.S., I’m committed to putting our restaurant team members and guests at the forefront to ensure a memorable experience every time they come to our table.”
CMI has operations in 15 countries across Latin America and the U.S. It operates through two business groups: CMI Foods and CMI Capital.
