Dive Brief:
- Chipotle has hired Jason Kidd, Taco Bell’s global chief operating officer, as chief operating officer effective May 19, the company said in a Tuesday press release. Kidd will report to Scott Boatwright who was previously promoted from COO to CEO.
- Additionally, Jack Hartung, president and chief strategy officer, will step down from his role on June 1 after 25 years with the company. He will then become a senior advisor for the company through March 2026, when he will retire. Hartung transitioned from chief financial officer to his current post last year after his retirement was delayed by CEO Brian Niccol’s departure for Starbucks.
- Kidd joins the chain as Chipotle grapples with economic uncertainty and consumer spending declines that contributed to its first same-store sales decline since Q2 2020.
Dive Insight:
Kidd faces the formidable task of helping Chipotle ride out a macroeconomic environment that has driven down consumer traffic. The brand’s limited-time offers, like the Chipotle Honey Chicken, which launched in March, will likely help. That LTO is already driving incremental transactions, according to an earnings call.
The company has been working on various initiatives to improve back of house productivity. For example, it is currently installing produce slicers in all restaurants to create more portion consistency and speed up prep.
Kidd’s extensive experience in retail will likely help the chain as he takes responsibility for overseeing operations at nearly 3,800 restaurants. Prior to working at Taco Bell, he was president of Hearing Lab Technology for over three years, according to his LinkedIn profile. He also worked at 99 Cents Only Stores for over six years and Sam’s Club for 20 years in various leadership positions involving operations, merchandising, planning and supply chain, according to the press release.
“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,” Boatwright said in a statement. “His vast operational experience at large scale multi-unit retail will bring a strong foundation and new strategic thinking to our executive team.
In addition to Kidd’s appointment, the chain is also giving other executives additional responsibilities ahead of Hartung’s retirement. Curt Garner, current chief customer and technology officer, will have additional responsibilities overseeing supply chain as president, chief strategy and technology officer. Chris Brandt, current chief brand officer, will become president, chief brand officer, overseeing a cross-functional team to drive menu and ingredient processes, according to the press release.
Hartung spent the past nine months working with Boatwright and CFO Adam Rymer helping them transition into their new positions.
"I have tremendous confidence that we have the right leaders and strategies in place to drive value for our guests, employees and shareholders,” Hartung said in a statement. “During my time at Chipotle, we opened over 3,700 restaurants across seven countries, and I am confident there is a long runway ahead.”
