Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced on September 14, 2026, that it has appointed Sabir Sami to its board of directors, effective immediately. The announcement was made from Newport Beach, California.
Following the appointment, Chipotle’s board comprises 11 directors, 10 of whom are independent. As of June 30, 2026, the company operates more than 4,200 restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the Middle East.
Sami has more than 30 years of experience in consumer and restaurant businesses. He spent 16 years at Yum! Brands, beginning in 2009, and served as chief executive officer of KFC from January 2022 to February 2025, with global responsibility for the brand’s strategy and performance.
Before becoming KFC CEO, Sami held roles at Yum! Brands including chief operating officer of KFC, managing director of KFC Asia, managing director of KFC’s Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets, and general manager of Yum! Canada. He also held leadership positions at Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill.
Earlier in his career, he worked at Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Co. and Reckitt Benckiser. In August 2025, he founded Sami Advisory, a business consulting firm, where he serves as a director. He also sits on the board of Save the Children Canada and holds an MBA from the University of Karachi in Pakistan.
Scott Maw, chairman of Chipotle, said: "Sabir brings deep restaurant operating expertise and a proven track record leading brands across international markets."
