Chipotle adds ex-KFC chief Sabir Sami to its board

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has appointed Sabir Sami to its board of directors, effective immediately, the company announced Sept. 14, 2026.

Sami brings more than 30 years of experience in the global consumer and restaurant industry, including 16 years at Yum! Brands Inc. He most recently served as chief executive officer of KFC from January 2022 to February 2025, overseeing the brand's global strategy and reporting directly to the Yum! Brands CEO. Prior roles at Yum! Brands included chief operating officer of KFC and managing director of KFC Asia, as well as managing director for KFC's Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets.

Before joining Yum! Brands in 2009, Sami held leadership positions at Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Co. and Reckitt Benckiser. He holds an MBA from the University of Karachi in Pakistan.

Sami also founded Sami Advisory, a business consulting firm, in August 2025 and serves on the board of Save the Children Canada.

"Sabir brings deep restaurant operating expertise and a proven track record leading brands across international markets," said Scott Maw, Chipotle's board chairman. "That experience will be invaluable as we scale Chipotle with intention, strengthen our operations and expand access to our brand around the world."

With the addition, Chipotle's board will consist of 11 directors, 10 of whom are independent. As of June 30, 2026, Chipotle operated more than 4,200 restaurants across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the Middle East.

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