CHIPOTLE APPOINTS SABIR SAMI TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sabir Sami joins Chipotle’s largely independent board, adding decades of international quick-service restaurant leadership experience.
Rhea-AI Summary
Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) has appointed Sabir Sami to its Board of Directors, effective immediately, expanding the board to 11 members, 10 of whom are independent.
Sami brings more than 30 years of global consumer and restaurant experience, including 16 years at Yum! Brands and service as KFC’s chief executive officer from January 2022 to February 2025. He previously held senior roles across KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill, with extensive oversight of international markets in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey.
Positive
- Board expanded to 11 directors, with 10 classified as independent after Sami’s appointment
- Sabir Sami adds 30+ years of global consumer and restaurant experience, including as KFC CEO from 2022–2025
Negative
- None.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Sabir Sami brings more than 30 years of global consumer and restaurant industry experience, including 16 years at Yum! Brands Inc., where he held a series of senior leadership roles across KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill. Most recently, Mr. Sami served as chief executive officer of KFC from January 2022 to February 2025, with global responsibility for the brand's strategy and performance and reporting directly to the chief executive officer of Yum! Brands. Previously, he served as KFC's chief operating officer and managing director of KFC Asia, leading the brand's global operations team while overseeing markets across
In addition to his role at Chipotle, Mr. Sami serves as a director of Sami Advisory, a business consulting firm he founded in August 2025. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Save the Children Canada. Mr. Sami holds an MBA from the University of
"I'm thrilled to join Chipotle's Board at such an exciting time for the company. With an iconic brand and global fanfare, Chipotle has an immense opportunity to bring its craveable menu to more guests around the world. I look forward to helping the company realize its significant potential."
With the change announced today, Chipotle's Board of Directors will be composed of 11 directors, 10 of whom are independent. Mr. Sami brings significant global restaurant industry and operational expertise to the board. The board remains committed to ongoing refreshment and will continue to evaluate highly qualified independent director candidates who bring relevant experience and perspectives aligned with Chipotle's long-term strategy.
"Sabir brings deep restaurant operating expertise and a proven track record leading brands across international markets," said Scott Maw, Chairman. "That experience will be invaluable as we scale Chipotle with intention, strengthen our operations and expand access to our brand around the world."
ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. There are over 4,200 restaurants as of June 30, 2026, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Middle East and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in the United States, Canada and Europe. With nearly 140,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit chipotle.com.
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SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What international markets did Sabir Sami oversee in his prior KFC roles?
Sabir Sami previously served as KFC’s chief operating officer and managing director of KFC Asia, leading the brand’s global operations team and overseeing markets across Thailand, India, Central Asia and Greater Asia. He also served as managing director for KFC’s Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets.
What other positions does Sabir Sami currently hold outside Chipotle?
In addition to his role on Chipotle’s Board, Sabir Sami serves as a director of Sami Advisory, a business consulting firm he founded in August 2025, and he also serves on the Board of Directors of Save the Children Canada.
What is Sabir Sami’s educational background and earlier career experience?
Sabir Sami holds an MBA from the University of Karachi in Pakistan. Before joining Yum! Brands in 2009, he held various leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Co. and Reckitt Benckiser.