Industry leader with 25-plus years of experience to guide the Guatemalan-born brand’s next chapter of U.S. growth
DALLAS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan-born quick-service restaurant known for its fried and roasted chicken, has named industry veteran Julio Sánchez CEO of its U.S. business, effective immediately. The company thanks outgoing chief operating officer Luis Javier Rodas, who concluded nearly 26 years with CMI on Oct. 16, for his contributions to the brand’s growth in the U.S.
With more than 25 years of experience, Sánchez has led operations, franchising, development and transformation across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer of CKE International (Carl’s Jr.), and previously held leadership roles at Pizza Hut, Burger King and Church’s Chicken, where he successfully introduced brands into new markets and drove strong same-store sales growth.
As CEO, Sánchez will lead the next phase of profitable growth for Campero USA, initially focusing on improving operational excellence, accelerating same-store sales growth, increasing brand awareness and elevating the guest experience to bring the Campero flavor to even more consumers across the United States. His appointment comes as the brand grows beyond 150 U.S. restaurants and works toward continued U.S. expansion.
Known for his hands-on style, Sánchez leads from the restaurant floor, staying close to the team members, franchise partners and guests who shape the experience every day.
“Julio combines deep operational expertise with sound business judgment and a proven record of delivering results. He is the right leader to guide Campero into its next stage of growth,” said José Gregorio Baquero, global CEO of CMI Foods.
Pollo Campero was founded in Guatemala in 1971 and is part of Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI), a family-owned company with 106 years of history.
“I was immediately drawn to Campero’s heritage, sense of hospitality and, of course, flavor,” said Sánchez. “As we bring Pollo Campero to more communities across the U.S., I’m committed to putting our restaurant team members and guests at the forefront to ensure a memorable experience every time they come to our table.”
About Pollo Campero
Founded in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero is a quick-service restaurant known for its fried and roasted chicken, made from family recipes passed down through generations. Today, the brand operates more than 400 restaurants across the United States, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras and Ecuador, including more than 150 in the U.S., and employs more than 10,000 people. Its social impact includes more than 30 years of employee education through the Campero Institute, two decades supporting pediatric cancer care in Guatemala through AYUVI, and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 2018. Pollo Campero is part of Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI). For more information, visit us.campero.com.
About CMI
Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI) is a multilatina family-owned corporation with 106 years of history, more than 50,000 employees and operations in 15 countries across Latin America and the United States. CMI operates through two business groups: CMI Foods and CMI Capital. At CMI, with family warmth, we create opportunities that change lives. For more information, visit somoscmi.com.
Media Contact
Abby Boroski
abby@spmcommunications.com
817-329-3257
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pollo-campero-names-julio-sanchez-ceo-of-its-us-business-302913199.html
SOURCE Pollo Campero
