Chipotle Mexican Grill has appointed Sabir Sami, former chief executive of KFC, to its board of directors, adding an executive with extensive international restaurant experience as the fast-casual chain expands beyond its established markets.
The appointment took effect immediately, Chipotle said on September 14. Sami brings more than 30 years of experience across consumer and restaurant businesses, including 16 years at Yum! Brands, where he held senior roles at KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill.
Sami was KFC’s global CEO from January 2022 to February 2025, with responsibility for the brand’s strategy and performance across a system of more than 34,000 restaurants in over 150 countries. Before that, he served as KFC’s chief operating officer and managing director of KFC Asia, overseeing markets that included Thailand, India and the wider Asian region. He also led KFC’s Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets.
His earlier career included leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company and Reckitt Benckiser. He now runs Sami Advisory, a consulting firm he founded in 2025, and serves on the board of Save the Children Canada.
Chipotle’s appointment comes as the company pursues growth in both North America and international markets. It has set a long-term target of 7,000 restaurants in the United States and Canada, compared with about 4,200 currently, while also seeking to build a broader global presence.
