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Restaurant Execs Join El Pollo Loco Board
16 Dec
Summary
- Two new directors with extensive restaurant experience join the board.
- Appointments follow planned retirements of current board members.
- New leadership aims to boost El Pollo Loco's national expansion.
El Pollo Loco has announced significant changes to its board of directors, with Robert D Wright and Tana Davila set to join as independent members starting January 1, 2026. Wright, the current CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure there, focusing on digital expansion and store growth. Davila, CMO of Dutch Bros Coffee, has a proven track record in leading brand initiatives across the US and in previous senior marketing roles.
These strategic appointments are timed to coincide with the planned retirements of current board members William "Bill" Floyd and Samuel Borgese on December 31, 2025. Floyd will also relinquish his position as board chair. The company has elected Douglas Babb, a current board member since 2018, to succeed Floyd as the new board chair. Babb's prior experience as CEO of Cooper Clinic is expected to provide valuable leadership.
The transition also includes committee leadership changes, with Deborah Gonzales chairing the Compensation Committee and Joe Taylor leading the Audit Committee, effective upon Floyd and Borgese's retirements. CEO Elizabeth Williams expressed enthusiasm for the new directors, anticipating their expertise will accelerate El Pollo Loco's expansion efforts both in existing markets and nationwide. The company credits the retiring members for fostering innovation and growth.
