Portillo’s chief people officer Jill Waite is set to leave the fast-casual restaurant company on November 1, according to a regulatory filing, adding another leadership change as the Chicago-based chain works to improve its business performance.
The company disclosed the departure in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Waite and Portillo agreed on October 5 that her employment would end on November 1. The filing states that her departure qualifies for benefits under the company’s Senior Executive Severance Plan; further separation-agreement details were expected to follow.
Waite joined Portillo’s in 2019. Before that, she held human resources and operations roles at companies including Sephora and 24 Hour Fitness. At Portillo’s, she was associated with people-focused initiatives, including an internal influencer programme encouraging employees to share their experiences working for the brand on social media.
The company has not announced a successor in the cited reporting.
Waite’s departure comes during a broader period of leadership and organisational change at Portillo’s. Brett Patterson became president and CEO in February 2026, succeeding Michael Osanloo, who left the company in 2025. Patterson previously led Miller’s Ale House and was brought in to guide Portillo’s next phase of growth.
In recent months, Portillo’s has also made changes to its executive team and corporate structure. The company appointed a new chief financial officer and executive chef, while reports in August said it reduced its corporate workforce by 18% and cut some field-management positions. These moves have unfolded as the business seeks to address declining sales.
