CEO, CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL
WHY: Heads OC’s No. 2 restaurant chain with over $8.6B in systemwide sales. Former Taco Bell exec has overseen one of restaurant industry’s greatest turnarounds of late, with Chipotle’s stock increasing multiples since hiring.
IN THE NEWS: Chipotle became the most valuable publicly traded company based in OC in May, $51B market cap as of October. Chain testing three new automated food prep systems from its $50M venture fund at innovation center in Irvine. Added first-ever franchise partner in July to open first locations in Middle East.
NOTEABLE: Responsible for moving HQ from Denver to Newport Beach in 2018, shortly after his appointment as CEO. With more than 3,200 locations, now aims to build restaurant count to 7,000.
