Maria Hollandsworth has served as our Interim President and Chief Executive Officer since November 2023 and our Chief Operating Officer since November 2022. Before joining El Pollo Loco, Ms. Hollandsworth was the Regional Vice President of Operations for Dunkin’, a division of multi-brand restaurant company Inspire Brands, Inc. During her tenure, she worked closely with Dunkin’ franchisees to establish and execute a strategic market plan. She also led the leadership team in building strong relationships with franchisee leaders and increasing profitability through a culture of trust, respect, and improved guest satisfaction. Prior to Inspire, Ms. Hollandsworth worked for over 20 years at Jack in the Box, most recently serving as the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Operations Services from 2013 to 2018, where she successfully executed the creation and implementation of enterprise-wide strategic initiatives across over 2,000 restaurants. Prior to this role, Ms. Hollandsworth held leadership roles in both company and franchise operations at Jack in the Box.

Ira Fils has served as our Chief Financial Officer since June 2022. Prior to joining El Pollo Loco, Mr. Fils joined The Habit Restaurants, LLC in August 2008 as Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, where he helped lead the Company’s successful IPO in 2014, and actively participated in the sale of Habit to YUM! Brands in 2020. During his tenure, he was a key member of the Executive Team that grew Habit restaurants from 20 locations to over 300 locations. He also played a key role in transitioning the Company’s business model to be more franchise driven. Prior to his time at Habit, Mr. Fils served as Chief Financial Officer of Mimi’s Café from 2005 to 2008, after joining the company as Vice President of Finance in 2003. From 1998 to 2003, he served in various financial capacities with increasing responsibility which led to him becoming Chief Financial Officer at Rubio’s Restaurants, Inc. He holds an undergraduate degree in economics and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine.

Jill Adams has served as our Chief Marketing Officer since October 2023. Prior to joining El Pollo Loco, Ms. Adams was the Vice President of Marketing at Mister Car Wash, the largest and only public car wash in North America with over 450 locations. While at Mister Car Wash, she led the launch of the company’s first mobile app and e-commerce site, doubling membership in less than 3 years. She also helped drive 10 consecutive quarters of revenue and EBITDA growth. Prior to her time at Mister Car Wash, she served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at QDOBA® Mexican Eats, leading creative, media, loyalty, product development, and CRM. Before joining QDOBA® Mexican Eats, Ms. Adams worked at Jack in the Box, Inc. holding various leadership roles in field marketing, product marketing, menu strategy, integrated marketing, and innovation & growth. She holds an MBA from California State University-Sacramento and a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from the University of Kentucky.