Julio Sánchez Appointed CEO of Pollo Campero USA
Julio Sánchez has been named CEO of Pollo Campero's U.S. business, succeeding the retiring Luis Javier Rodas. He will lead the chain's expansion from 150 to 250 American restaurants by 2027.
Julio Sánchez has been appointed CEO of Pollo Campero's U.S. business, effective immediately. He succeeds Luis Javier Rodas, who retired after nearly 26 years with the company and over eight years leading its American operations. The leadership change was announced on October 19, 2026, as the chain pursues aggressive growth in the United States market.
Leadership Background and Expertise
Julio Sánchez brings over 25 years of international restaurant leadership experience to the role. His career includes C-level positions at major chains, with a consistent focus on operational improvement. He previously served as chief operating officer at CKE International and has held significant leadership roles at Pizza Hut, Burger King, and Church’s Chicken.
His experience spans operations, franchising, and development across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Sánchez is known for a hands-on leadership style, preferring to lead directly from the restaurant floor. He intends to work closely with team members, franchise partners, and guests to drive performance.
Growth Strategy and Market Position
Pollo Campero aims to grow from approximately 150 to 250 U.S. restaurants by 2027. The chain, which was founded in Guatemala in 1971 and is part of the family-owned Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI), opened its 150th American location earlier in 2026. This domestic growth is part of a larger international footprint.
| Region | Number of Restaurants |
|---|---|
| United States | More than 150 |
| Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador | More than 400 |
Executive Endorsement and Vision
José Gregorio Baquero, global CEO of CMI Foods, endorsed the appointment. He stated that Julio Sánchez combines deep operational expertise with sound business judgment and a proven record of delivering results. Sánchez's immediate focus will be on improving restaurant operations, boosting same-store sales growth, and increasing brand awareness through enhancements to the guest experience.
This leadership transition occurs as the broader restaurant industry handles a complex market. Recent industry reports noted a slowdown in chain restaurant sales in 2025 due to consumer spending cutbacks, though sectors like chicken continued to perform well. Julio Sánchez has assumed the CEO role and will lead from the restaurant floor to improve guest experience and operational performance.
