Elizabeth “Liz” Williams has served as our Chief Executive Officer since March 2024. Prior to joining El Pollo Loco, Ms. Williams was the CEO of Outfox Hospitality, overseeing Foxtrot, a modern café and convenience store. Before her time at Outfox, Ms. Williams led Hart House, LLC, and served as CEO of Drybar Holdings, LLC, the premier blow dry bar specializing in blowouts, hair care products, and styling tools. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Taco Bell, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. Liz was the President of Taco Bell International, responsible for the brand strategy, growth, and performance of the international business across 30 countries. Before this role, she was the Global Chief Financial Officer, leading Finance, Strategy, Information Technology, and e-commerce. Ms. Williams also spent six years at Boston Consulting Group, specializing in Consumer and Retail practice. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg School of Management. Liz serves on the board of Stitchfix (SFIX).

Maria Hollandsworth has served as our President since March 2024 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.

Anne Jollay has served as our EVP, Chief Legal and People Officer since November 2023 and our Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary since November 2020. Prior to joining El Pollo Loco, Ms. Jollay served as General Counsel for California Pizza Kitchen, a global, fast casual dining brand. Prior to joining California Pizza Kitchen in February 2011, Ms. Jollay practiced employment litigation as outside counsel at various law firms, including Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and McGuireWoods LLP. She holds a juris doctorate from UCLA School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia.

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.

Tim Welsh has served as our Chief Development Officer since June 2024. Prior to joining El Pollo Loco, Mr. Welsh was the Senior Vice President of Design and Construction for TriMark's South and West US Regions. TriMark is the industry leader in food service design and commercial kitchen construction. Before his time at TriMark, Tim was the Chief Development Officer of Crunch Fitness and QDOBA® Mexican Eats. His extensive experience also includes leadership roles at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Sweetgreen, and Walgreens. Throughout his career, Mr. Welsh has led growth strategies, franchise sales, prototype development, remodel programs, and facilities maintenance. Mr. Welsh is a registered architect and started his career owning a private practice specializing in multi-unit restaurant development. He holds an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in Architecture from The Ohio State University.

Clark Matthews has 34 years of experience in restaurant and QSR Information Technology, over 20 of which are at El Pollo Loco. He has a proven track record as an industry leader, developing and implementing technology infrastructure that optimizes operations through real-time analytics, ordering and point of sale platforms, human resources information systems, as well as technology that drives sales and value in marketing and loyalty, among other platforms. Mr. Matthews has also been instrumental in developing and implementing El Pollo Loco’s multi-faceted cyber security program, and regularly speaks as an industry expert on the subject.