Portillo’s Inc. Names Kevin Kalicak as Chief Financial Officer Effective Sept. 7, 2026

What Happened
Portillo’s Inc. (PTLO) announced in an 8-K (filed Aug 4, 2026) that Kevin Kalicak, 53, will join the company as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal financial and accounting officer) effective September 7, 2026. He will succeed Pamela Smith, who has served as interim CFO since May 20, 2026. Mr. Kalicak joins from Darden Restaurants, where he most recently served as an officer of Darden and Senior Vice President of Finance for Olive Garden; he previously led Darden’s finance and investor relations functions.

Key Details

• Start date: September 7, 2026; predecessor: Pamela Smith (Interim CFO since May 20, 2026).
• Cash compensation: base salary $500,000 per year; annual bonus target 75% of base salary.
• Long-term and sign-on awards: LTIP target $750,000 (50% RSUs, 50% PSUs); one‑time sign‑on RSU award with grant‑date value of $825,000 vesting ratably over 3 years.
• Additional cash payments and benefits: $100,000 one‑time sign‑on cash award; guaranteed 2026 annual incentive of $187,500; relocation reimbursement up to $100,000; eligibility for standard executive benefits (401(k), medical, severance, deferred comp, unlimited PTO).
• Background/Education: held senior finance and investor relations roles at Darden (2015–2024+), BBA in Accounting (Georgia Southern Univ.), MBA (Univ. of Central Florida).

Why It Matters
A permanent CFO appointment provides leadership stability for Portillo’s financial reporting, investor relations and strategic planning. The compensation package combines cash, guaranteed near‑term incentive, and significant equity (RSUs/PSUs) with multi‑year vesting, indicating alignment with longer‑term performance. Investors should note the guaranteed 2026 incentive and sign‑on awards when assessing near‑term compensation expense and executive alignment; the company expects to file the full offer letter as an exhibit to its upcoming Form 10‑Q.