Staffing

Pollo Campero names Julio Sanchez US CEO

Source: Pollo Campero

October 22, 2026

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Pollo Campero has appointed Julio Sánchez CEO of its U.S. business, Campero USA Corp., effective immediately. He succeeds Luis Javier Rodas, who spent 26 years with the chicken brand and its parent company, CMI.

Dallas-based Sánchez will lead the company's U.S. growth strategy, focusing on restaurant operations, customer experience, same-store sales growth and brand awareness.

Sánchez has held leadership roles in operations, franchising, development and business transformation across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. Most recently, he was chief operating officer of CKE International, the parent company of Carl's Jr. His previous roles include positions at Pizza Hut, Burger King and Church's Chicken, where he led brand expansion into new markets and same-store sales growth.

"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," José Gregorio Baquero, global CEO of CMI Foods, said in a press release.

Headquartered in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Pollo Campero operates more than 400 restaurants in the United States, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras and Ecuador, including more than 150 in the U.S. The company employs more than 10,000 people.