Chipotle names Pakistan’s Sabir Sami, ex-KFC CEO, to board
- Sami served as chief executive officer of KFC from January 2022 to February 2025
Chipotle Mexican Grill appointed Sabir Sami, former KFC CEO with extensive global restaurant experience, to its board of directors, aiming to leverage his expertise for international expansion and operational strengthening.
- Sabir Sami's global restaurant experience.
- Chipotle's international growth strategy.
- Chipotle's board of directors composition.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG), an American multinational chain of fast casual restaurants, has appointed Pakistani-origin Sabir Sami to its board of directors, effective immediately, the company announced on Monday.
“Sabir Sami brings more than 30 years of global consumer and restaurant industry experience, including 16 years at Yum! Brands Inc., he held a series of senior leadership roles across KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill,” Chipotle said in a statement.
Sami, who holds an MBA from the University of Karachi, 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 Thailand, India, Central Asia and Greater Asia.
Sami also served as managing director of KFC’s Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets.
Before joining Yum! Brands in 2009, Sami held various leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Co. and Reckitt Benckiser.
“I’m thrilled to join Chipotle’s Board at such an exciting time for the company,” Sami said.
“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 realise its significant potential.”
With the change announced today, Chipotle’s Board of Directors will be composed of 11 directors, 10 of whom are independent.
“Sabir brings deep restaurant operating expertise and a proven track record leading brands across international markets,” said Scott Maw, Chairman of Chipotle.
“That experience will be invaluable as we scale Chipotle with intention, strengthen our operations and expand access to our brand around the world.”
With over 4,200 restaurants as of June 30, 2026, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Middle East, Chipotle is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in the United States, Canada and Europe.
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