Skip to main content

Portillo’s Announces Leadership Transition

Written by Customer Service on . Posted in Public Companies.

Board Chairman Michael A. Miles, Jr. Appointed as Interim CEO, Effective Immediately

Eugene (Gene) I. Lee, Jr. Appointed as Lead Independent Director

CHICAGO, Sept. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Portillo’s Inc. (“Portillo’s” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PTLO), the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Chairman of the Board Michael A. Miles, Jr., as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Mr. Miles succeeds Michael Osanloo, who has departed the Company as President and CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Osanloo will support the transition as a Special Advisor to Mr. Miles and the Board over the next 90 days.

The Board of Directors has established a Search Committee, comprised of Directors Paulette Dodson, G.J. Hart, Eugene (Gene) I. Lee, Jr., and Michael A. Miles, Jr., and will be assisted by a leading executive search firm in conducting a comprehensive search process to identify the Company’s next CEO.

Mr. Miles brings extensive leadership experience in the retail and restaurant industries. He previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Staples and Chief Operating Officer of Pizza Hut with Yum! Brands, after beginning his career at Bain & Co. He has served as Chairman of the Board at Portillo’s since 2014 and was Interim Chief Executive Officer from 2014 to 2015.

“On behalf of the full Board, I want to thank Michael for his leadership over the last seven years and the role he played in guiding the company through its IPO and expansion to new markets,” said Mr. Miles. “The Portillo’s brand resonates deeply with our guests, but our recent performance has not measured up to expectations. After careful consideration, the Board believes, and Michael agrees, that now is the right time for a leadership transition. We are grateful to Michael for his many contributions to the business and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Mr. Miles continued, “I look forward to working with the leadership team and Board while we conduct our search to help grow shareholder value while continuing to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience for both new and loyal Portillo’s guests.”

Mr. Osanloo commented, “Leading Portillo’s has been one of the great honors of my career. I am so thankful to my leadership team and all our team members whose hard work and heart make this brand iconic. Together, we achieved so much, and I will always carry immense pride in having been part of the Portillo’s family.”

Mr. Lee has been appointed by the Board to serve as Lead Independent Director during this transition period. Mr. Lee served as CEO at Darden Restaurants from 2015 to 2022 and as Chairman of the Darden Board from 2021 to 2023.

About Portillo’s
Portillo’s (NASDAQ: PTLO) is a one-of-a-kind brand that has grown from a small hot dog trailer in Chicago to more than 90 restaurants across 10 states. Known for its unique menu of craveable Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads and iconic chocolate cake, Portillo’s is beloved in both its home of Chicagoland and across new and growing markets. Portillo’s operates a company-owned model of not just restaurants – but experience-focused destinations that blend dine-in, drive-thru, takeout and delivery to serve our guests with the food they crave. And now, after six decades of success and counting, Portillo’s is on a mission to bring its iconic food and unforgettable dining experience to guests across the country.

Investor Contact:
Chris Brandon, Vice President of Investor Relations
312.931.5578
cbrandon@portillos.com

Media Contact:
Sara Wirth, Director of PR & Communications
press@portillos.com

Disclaimer & Cookie Notice

Welcome to GOLDEA services for Professionals

Before you continue, please confirm the following:

Professional advisers only

I am a professional adviser and would like to visit the GOLDEA CAPITAL for Professionals website.

Important Notice for Investors:

The services and products offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. are intended exclusively for professional market participants as defined by applicable laws and regulations. This typically includes institutional investors, qualified investors, and high-net-worth individuals who have sufficient knowledge, experience, resources, and independence to assess the risks of trading on their own.

No Investment Advice:

The information, analyses, and market data provided are for general information purposes only and do not constitute individual investment advice. They should not be construed as a basis for investment decisions and do not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs of any recipient.

High Risks:

Trading in financial instruments is associated with significant risks and may result in the complete loss of the invested capital. Goldalea Capital Ltd. accepts no liability for losses incurred as a result of the use of the information provided or the execution of transactions.

Sole Responsibility:

The decision to invest or not to invest is solely the responsibility of the investor. Investors should obtain comprehensive information about the risks involved before making any investment decision and, if necessary, seek independent advice.

No Guarantees:

Goldalea Capital Ltd. makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Markets are subject to constant change, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Regional Restrictions:

The services offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. may not be available to all persons or in all countries. It is the responsibility of the investor to ensure that they are authorized to use the services offered.

Please note: This disclaimer is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual legal or tax advice.