Jill Waite Will Depart Portillo's in November
The Chief People Officer is set to leave the Chicago-based restaurant chain on November 1, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Does frequent executive turnover at a restaurant chain shake your trust in the brand?
Portillo's Chief People Officer Jill Waite will resign from her position on November 1, 2026. The company officially notified the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of her pending departure.
Why it matters
Waite's exit marks another leadership change at the Chicago-based restaurant company following significant corporate restructuring earlier this year.
Portillo's terminated 18% of its corporate and field manager staff in July 2026. Waite is slated to receive benefits under the company's established severance plan.
The players
Jill Waite
She is the outgoing Chief People Officer of Portillo's who previously oversaw internal employee influencer initiatives.
Portillo's
This Chicago-based restaurant chain is known for its fast-casual dining and recently underwent a significant corporate restructuring.
Kevin Kalicak
He is the Chief Financial Officer who joined the executive team at Portillo's in September 2026.
Christopher Hansen
He currently serves as the executive chef at Portillo's, having joined the company in July 2026.
The details
Jill Waite, who joined the company in 2019, previously managed an internal influencer program for employees. The company's leadership team has recently seen other additions, including the arrival of Chief Financial Officer Kevin Kalicak in September 2026 and executive chef Christopher Hansen in July 2026.
Timeline
Jill Waite first joined Portillo's in 2019.
Portillo's cut 18% of its staff in July 2026.
Kevin Kalicak joined as Chief Financial Officer in September 2026.
Jill Waite will conclude her tenure on November 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
The departure follows the pattern set by the July 2026 Portillo's corporate staff reduction. These changes reflect an ongoing shift in the executive and management structure at the restaurant chain.
Changes at the executive level typically do not impact day-to-day operations or menu pricing for the average customer. Shoppers can continue to expect standard service at Portillo's locations despite these corporate transitions.
The takeaway
Leadership turnover often accompanies restructuring phases within major retail organizations. Investors and stakeholders typically monitor these shifts to gauge the future direction of the company.
Further reading
For more information on organizational shifts, visit People.
Live Poll
Does frequent executive turnover at a restaurant chain shake your trust in the brand?
