John Holmes Email & Phone Number

Downers Grove, Il, Us

Downers Grove, Il, Us

Oak Brook, Illinois

Vice President of Information Technology setting the strategic direction for Portillo's information technology functions. Accountable for the strategic planning, data integrity, budgetary requirements, and support for all of Portillo’s information technology functions and how they work with other business units. This includes all data centers, networks, technical service centers , help desks, communication networks (voice and data), all electronic records, systems operations and maintenance, and other business-facing technology related to a restaurant environment. Includes overseeing IT support for 80 locations in 8 states as well as 2 food production plants and a call center, as well as staff and vendors to support these locations. Reported directly to the CFO, CIO, SVP, and collaborated with all business units.Key Achievements:-Successfully implemented a managed security services provider, endpoint detection and response solution, privileged access management solution, and ensured PCI compliance of payment environments.-Spearheaded the implementation of cybersecurity controls and systems to mitigate risks.-Implemented mobile device management (MDM), third-party help desk, network access controls, and various SaaS solutions.-Transitioned 80% of the technology infrastructure to the cloud, migrating from on-premises systems to the Azure tech stack and various SaaS applications.-Led the IT implementation of business continuity plan, disaster recovery plan, and cyber insurance selection.

Oak Brook, Illinois

Led the information technology and strategy for 55 restaurant locations across 6 states, 1 corporate office location and 2 food production facilities. Focused on scaling IT operations and security to ensure growth needs of the business were met post private sale. Supervised a team of 14 and 1 consultant in delivering key projects to infuse all business units with the best technology support. Reported directly to the COO and collaborated with all business units. Key Achievements: -Named Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the organization. -Implemented Office365 to the entire company without downtime to business-Increased the security footprint of PCI network environments by 70%. -Planned and implemented 6 different systems to monitor network health and security. -Created an Information Security Committee for the business to oversee security issues. -Drove changes from non-compliant Payment Card Industry (PCI) status to compliant status. -Planned and implemented company-wide inventory management and schedule software. -Led integration for Portillo’s online ordering systems from the web to stores.

Oak Brook, Illinois

Hired to leverage IT and restaurant industry experience to manage the technologystrategy, planning, and development for up to 40 locations and ~4K employees and350 users. Directly managed a team of up to 9 staff, ensuring ongoing developmentthrough meetings and training. Performed regular software evaluations and securityreviews, leading to new firewalls, anti-virus software, and network switch upgrades.Reported to the COO, CFO, and interim CEO.Notable Contributions: Improved rollout times by 75% by planning and implementing software toglobalize POS data environments. Saved 30% in data and phone charges by negotiating new agreements with atelecom provider. Led the on-time, on-budget installation of new terminals at 75% of stores. Oversaw 6 different credit card software upgrades to remain in softwarecompliance. Increased data capacity for all locations by 50%. Managed the installation of a wireless vendor network to host non-PCI data.

Comprehensive database management, network support, new application development and user support.

Provided on site IT support for all aspects of business, in addition worked on small scale applications and CAD design/mapping.