El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Elizabeth (?Liz?) Williams as the Company?s new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 11, 2024. Ms. Williams will succeed Maria Hollandsworth, who has served as the Company?s interim Chief Executive Officer since November 3, 2023. Ms. Williams, age 47, brings to El Pollo Loco significant experience leading high-growth, multi-unit retail, restaurant and service businesses.

Most recently, Ms. Williams served as the Chief Executive Officer of Outfox Hospitality, parent company of Foxtrot, a high-growth modern café and convenience store, and Dom?s Kitchen and Market. Prior to Foxtrot, she led innovative brands like Drybar and Hart House. Ms. Williams has extensive restaurant experience working closely with franchise partners to accelerate growth.

She spent ten years with Yum! Brands and Taco Bell between 2010 and 2020, holding various leadership positions including Chief Financial Officer and President of Taco Bell International. During her tenure, she was responsible for the brand strategy, growth, and performance of the international business across 30 countries, and drove notable operational improvements along with sales and profit growth.

Ms. Williams spent six years at Boston Consulting Group in the Consumer and Retail practice. She has a bachelor?s degree from the University of Texas and an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg School of Management. Ms. Williams currently serves on the boards of Stitch Fix and Viant.