Jill Waite to depart from Portillo’s
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Portillo’s has made several changes to leadership in recent months.Photo: Shutterstock
Portillo’s chief people officer Jill Waite is stepping down in November.
The fast-casual chain announced Waite’s departure in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Her termination date is Nov. 1.
Waite joined the Chicago-based chain in 2019. Previously, she held roles in human resources and operations for companies like Sephora and 24-Hour Fitness.
At Portillo’s, Waite was reportedly known in part for an “internal influencer program” that encouraged the chain’s employees to post on social media about their jobs and the brand.
Details on the separation agreement will be filed later, the company said, but Waite is entitled to benefits under the severance plan.
Portillo’s brought in CEO Brett Patterson earlier this year, who has been working to turnaround declining sales for the chain. At the end of July, the chain cut 18% of corporate staff, along with some field managers.
Other recent changes on the executive team include the hiring of a new chief financial officer, Kevin Kalicak, in September, and executive chef Christopher Hansen in July.
