Portillo's names Christopher Hansen executive chef and culinary head

Portillo's (NASDAQ: PTLO) has appointed Christopher Hansen as executive chef and senior director of culinary innovation, the Chicago-based fast-casual restaurant chain announced.

Hansen will oversee culinary strategy, recipe and product development, and will collaborate with the company's marketing, operations and supply chain teams. He brings more than 30 years of experience across the restaurant, foodservice and consumer packaged goods industries.

Most recently, Hansen served as head of U.S. culinary at Guzman y Gomez, where he led culinary strategy and menu innovation. Before that, he was corporate executive chef for business development at McIlhenny Tabasco Company. He also spent more than 15 years at OSI Industries, LLC, rising to assistant vice president and culinary executive chef.

"Christopher brings a rare combination of culinary creativity, commercial discipline and a deep appreciation for the brands and people behind great food," said Brett Patterson, Portillo's president and CEO.

Hansen said he views his role as building on the brand's existing identity rather than changing it. "That's a legacy you don't reinvent. You respect it, protect it and build upon it," he said.

Portillo's operates more than 100 restaurants across 11 states.

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