Former Starbucks Exec Named CEO of El Pollo Loco

Fast Casual — On March 12, Bernard Acoca will become El Pollo Loco’s new president and CEO. Acoca was previously president of Starbucks’ Teavana tea brand, which grew dramatically during his tenure.

El Pollo Loco’s former president and CEO, Steve Sather, announced his retirement last year but delayed his departure until a successor had been appointed. Sather had been president and CEO of El Pollo Loco since 2010 and had previously been the brand’s senior vice president of operations since 2006.

From the article:

"With a long and proven track record of driving sales and profit growth through new product development, brand communications and integrated go-to-market strategies, Bernard brings significant strategic, marketing, operational and digital expertise to the role of CEO," El Pollo Loco Board Chair Michael Maselli said in the release. "As El Pollo Loco embarks on its next chapter of growth, we are confident that Bernard's skill set, experience and passion for the brand make him the ideal person to lead this company into the future." 

Read the full article at fastcasual.com.