• by Teresa Buyikian , October 6, 2023

Today El Pollo Loco announced the appointment of Jill Adams as chief marketing officer.  She replaces Andrew Rebhun, who left the company to become chief experience officer at Cava Group Inc. in May.

In her new role as CMO of the Costa Mesa, California chain, Adams will have oversight on all marketing and brand strategy functions, including menu and new product development, advertising and public relations, digital and social media and consumer engagement.

"She's a strong and engaging leader with a proven track record leading brand strategy and marketing communications to drive growth and profitability,” said El Pollo Loco CEO Larry Roberts in a press release.

Previously Adams spent over 14 years in the restaurant industry, working as senior vice president of marketing at QDOBA Mexican Eats, where she was charged with leading creative, media, loyalty, product development and CRM. Before QDOBA, Adams worked for Jack in the Box in various roles within field and product marketing, menu strategy, integrated marketing, innovation and growth.

Most recently Adams served as the vice president of marketing at Mister Car Wash, leading the launch of the chain’s mobile app and ecommerce site.

Fire-grilled chicken restaurant El Pollo Loco opened the first Southern California location in 1980 and has since grown to 492 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Louisiana.