CHIPOTLE NAMES JASON KIDD CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER JACK HARTUNG SETS RETIREMENT DATE

Rhea-AI Summary

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced key leadership changes with Jason Kidd appointed as Chief Operating Officer effective May 19, and Jack Hartung stepping down as President and Chief Strategy Officer. Kidd, formerly Global COO at Taco Bell, brings over 25 years of operations and retail experience and will oversee Chipotle's 3,800 restaurants. Hartung, after nearly 25 years with Chipotle, will transition to a senior advisor role on June 1 through March 2026. During his tenure, the company expanded to over 3,700 restaurants across seven countries. Additionally, Curt Garner will expand his role to President, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer, overseeing supply chain, while Chris Brandt will lead menu and ingredient processes as President, Chief Brand Officer.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced leader Jason Kidd as COO with 25+ years of operations and retail experience
• Smooth leadership transition with Hartung staying as senior advisor through March 2026
• Strategic reorganization with expanded roles for current executives Curt Garner and Chris Brandt

Negative

• Departure of long-term executive Jack Hartung who played key roles in company's growth
• Potential disruption in strategic continuity with change in leadership

Insights

Corporate Governance Expert

Chipotle executes planned leadership transition with Taco Bell veteran as new COO while long-term executive Hartung prepares for 2026 retirement.

Chipotle's announcement reveals a carefully orchestrated leadership transition with Jason Kidd joining as Chief Operating Officer on May 19th to oversee operations across nearly 3,800 restaurants. Kidd brings valuable competitive intelligence from his role as global COO at Taco Bell, along with extensive multi-unit retail experience from 99 Cents Only Stores and Sam's Club.

The more significant aspect is Jack Hartung's planned departure after a remarkable 25-year tenure with Chipotle. As President and Chief Strategy Officer, Hartung has been instrumental in growing the company from a small chain to a global enterprise. His decision to remain as a senior advisor through March 2026 provides an extended knowledge transfer period, significantly reducing succession risks.

This transition appears exceptionally well-planned. The press release notes Hartung has already spent nine months working alongside CEO Boatwright and CFO Rymer, suggesting thorough preparation. Additionally, the company is strategically redistributing responsibilities among seasoned executives: Curt Garner will expand his role to oversee supply chain as President, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer, while Chris Brandt will lead menu and ingredient processes as President, Chief Brand Officer.

The timing and execution of these changes reflect governance best practices - combining fresh operational perspective from Kidd with continuity through careful knowledge transfer and internal role expansion. The company's mention of "modernizing the back of house" suggests Kidd's operational expertise will be directed toward efficiency improvements, while the "guest obsessed culture" focus indicates continued prioritization of customer experience.

This transition represents evolutionary rather than revolutionary change at Chipotle, maintaining strategic continuity while bringing in operational expertise that complements the company's stated growth initiatives.

• Kidd brings over 25 years of operations and retail experience to the company's Executive Committee
• Hartung to step down as an executive officer to become a senior advisor for the company effective June 1

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced that it hired Jason Kidd as its chief operating officer, effective May 19. Kidd will be responsible for overseeing operations of Chipotle's nearly 3,800 restaurants and will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Scott Boatwright, based in the company's Newport Beach headquarters. Additionally, after nearly 25 years with the company, President and Chief Strategy Officer Jack Hartung will step down from his current role on June 1 and will remain with the company as a senior advisor through early March 2026.

Kidd joins Chipotle from Taco Bell, where he was the global chief operating officer. Prior to that, he held the role of president of Hearing Lab Technology, LLC. Before that, Kidd spent six years leading operations at 99 Cents Only Stores, most recently serving as president and chief operating officer. Additionally, he held roles of increasing responsibility across operations, merchandising, planning and supply chain at Sam's Club for 20 years.

"Kidd brings proven accomplishments and a wealth of knowledge that will further support our 130,000 team members in our restaurants with delivering exceptional hospitality to our guests," said Boatwright. "His vast operational experience at large scale multi-unit retail will bring a strong foundation and new strategic thinking to our executive team."

"I am grateful for the opportunity to join Chipotle's world-class leadership team and look forward to further enhancing experiences for our team members and guests," stated Kidd. "Chipotle's current efforts to build a guest obsessed culture and modernize the back of house are exciting, and I believe there's tremendous growth ahead for this incredible brand."

Hartung, who joined Chipotle in 2002 and has held various titles including chief financial and administrative officer, will become a senior advisor beginning next month prior to his 2026 retirement. He has spent the last nine months working alongside Boatwright and Chief Financial Officer Adam Rymer as they took on their new roles. The smooth transition is a testament to Chipotle's strong talent bench and thoughtful succession planning, as the company continues to execute against its strategic plan.

Hartung stated: "I have tremendous confidence that we have the right leaders and strategies in place to drive value for our guests, employees and shareholders. During my time at Chipotle, we opened over 3,700 restaurants across seven countries, and I am confident there is a long runway ahead. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the company that created an entirely new category of dining and made real food accessible for all. I look forward to watching this great organization continue to Cultivate a Better World."

"Jack's contributions to Chipotle over nearly three decades are immeasurable, and I'm extremely grateful for his leadership, guidance and friendship," said Boatwright. "Jack's selfless decision to delay his retirement and aid the organization through our leadership transition will never be forgotten, and I extend my sincerest gratitude for the instrumental role he played in ensuring Chipotle always delivered on its purpose."

As part of Hartung's transition, Curt Garner, chief customer and technology officer, will expand his scope of responsibility to oversee supply chain as the president, chief strategy and technology officer. In conjunction, Chris Brandt, chief brand officer, will lead a cross-functional team to drive all menu and ingredient processes as president, chief brand officer.

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 nearly 3,800 restaurants as of March 31, 2025, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With over 130,000 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

Who is the new COO of Chipotle (CMG) and when does he start?

Jason Kidd is Chipotle's new Chief Operating Officer, starting May 19, 2025. He previously served as Global Chief Operating Officer at Taco Bell.

Why is Jack Hartung leaving Chipotle (CMG)?

Jack Hartung is retiring after nearly 25 years with Chipotle. He will transition to a senior advisor role on June 1, 2025, and remain with the company through early March 2026.

What experience does Jason Kidd bring to Chipotle (CMG)?

Jason Kidd brings over 25 years of operations and retail experience, including roles as Global COO at Taco Bell, President of Hearing Lab Technology, and leadership positions at 99 Cents Only Stores and Sam's Club.

How many restaurants will Jason Kidd oversee at Chipotle (CMG)?

Jason Kidd will oversee operations of Chipotle's nearly 3,800 restaurants as Chief Operating Officer.

What organizational changes are happening at Chipotle (CMG) with these leadership transitions?

Curt Garner will become President, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer overseeing supply chain, while Chris Brandt will serve as President, Chief Brand Officer leading menu and ingredient processes.