LAKE FOREST, Calif. — Tim Hackbardt is returning to Del Taco Restaurants Inc. as chief marketing officer. He previously was vice president of marketing at the Mexican-American quick-service chain from 1999-2003.

Hackbardt rejoins Del Taco from BrandTrip Partners, an international restaurant consulting firm, where he was CEO. During his tenure the firm worked with several chains, including BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, IHOP, Steak N’ Shake, Del Taco, Johnny Rockets, Pieology and others. Before that, he was interim CMO at Pieology Pizzeria. He also was vice president of marketing at Rubio’s Restaurant Group Inc., and senior vice president of marketing at The Johnny Rockets Restaurant Group Inc.

“We are pleased that Tim has rejoined Del Taco permanently as our chief marketing officer,” said John D. Cappasola Jr., president and CEO of Del Taco. “Over the last three decades, he has successfully driven strategies and innovation to attain one of the best track records in the industry for consistent, long-term performance. Tim also has a deep, hands-on appreciation of Del Taco’s differentiated QSR+ positioning and of the importance of being nimble. I am confident that he will be a tremendous asset to our company.”