American fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain El Pollo Loco Holdings has announced that Laurance Roberts will be stepping down as the company’s director, president and chief executive (CEO).

Roberts has been associated with the company for more than a decade as CEO and chief financial officer.

He will continue to offer consultancy services to the business until 28 December 2023, to facilitate a seamless transition.

Roberts stated: “Being part of El Pollo Loco has been the highlight of my career, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together during my time with the company.

“I look forward to working with Maria, the rest of the management team and the board of directors through the end of the year to ensure the company is well-positioned for the future.”

The restaurant chain has started the search for its new CEO and has named Maria Hollandsworth as interim president and CEO.

Hollandsworth will help facilitate a seamless leadership transition until a new CEO is appointed.

El Pollo Loco Board chairman William Floyd stated: “Larry has been an instrumental part of El Pollo Loco’s history as a public company, from serving as our CFO during our initial public offering in 2014 to leading the company as our CEO for the past two years.

“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Larry for his leadership and valuable contributions to El Pollo Loco over the past ten years. It has been a privilege to work with Larry and we wish him the best.”