Key Takeaways
- Sabir Sami, a Pakistan-born business executive, has been appointed to Chipotle’s board of directors.
- Sami served as KFC CEO from January 2022 to February 2025, leading the brand’s global strategy.
- He previously held senior leadership roles at Yum! Brands and other multinational corporations.
Pakistan-born business executive Sabir Sami has been appointed to the board of directors of US-based fast-casual restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill. Sami, who previously served as the global CEO of KFC, brings extensive experience in leadership and strategic management to the board.
Sami’s tenure as KFC CEO, from January 2022 to February 2025, saw him oversee the brand’s global strategy and performance, reporting directly to the CEO of parent company Yum! Brands. Prior to his CEO role, he served as the brand’s global COO, leading its worldwide operations team.
His career has spanned multiple markets, including Pakistan, Australia, Turkiye, the UAE, Canada, Singapore, Vietnam, and the US. Sami joined Yum! Brands in 2009 and held several senior leadership positions during his more than decade-long tenure with the company.
Before joining Yum! Brands, Sami held leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company, and Reckitt Benckiser, building experience in marketing, operations, and general management. He holds an MBA from the University of Karachi and is also an alumnus of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi.
Following his tenure as KFC CEO, Sami remained with Yum! Brands in an advisory capacity until this year. In a statement, Sami expressed his excitement about joining Chipotle’s Board, saying, “I’m thrilled to join Chipotle’s Board at such an exciting time for the company.”
Sami’s appointment adds another high-profile corporate role to the career of a Pakistani-origin executive who reached the top global leadership position at one of the world’s best-known restaurant brands.
I’m thrilled to join Chipotle’s Board at such an exciting time for the company.
Sabir Sami, Newly appointed board member of Chipotle Mexican Grill
