Chipotle names Pakistan’s Sabir Sami, ex-KFC CEO, to board

Business Recorder reported that Chipotle Mexican Grill, the US fast casual restaurant chain, has added Pakistani-origin executive Sabir Sami to its board with immediate effect. The company disclosed the appointment on Monday, and Sami is a former chief executive of KFC who served in that post from January 2022 until February 2025.

Chipotle said Sami brings over three decades of consumer and restaurant experience, including 16 years at Yum! Brands, where he held senior posts at KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill. Prior to his 2009 move to Yum! Brands, he had roles at Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Reckitt Benckiser. Inside KFC, he was the chain's chief operating officer and also led KFC Asia as managing director, covering Thailand, India, Central Asia and Greater Asia.

Chipotle chairman Scott Maw said Sami's international brand experience would help as the company grows, strengthens operations and widens its reach overseas. After the change, the board will have 11 directors, 10 of them independent. The chain, which had more than 4,200 restaurants at June 30, 2026, says it is the only company of its size that both owns and runs every restaurant across the US, Canada and Europe.