Brian Niccol
Chief Executive
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.
Newport Beach
Hometown in Fallsington, Pa.
Age: 45
Lives in Newport Beach
WHY: Took over fast-casual restaurant a year ago, Niccol has overseen a turnaround of the 26-year-old brand after a few tumultuous years. New marketing strategy, an emphasis on growing digital sales and the relocation of its headquarters from Denver to Newport Beach. The $19 billion-valued company, now OC’s second-largest public company by market value, has seen stock nearly double since his hiring.
HOW: Before joining Chipotle Mexican Grill as the chief executive, Niccol served the same role at Taco Bell, Irvine division of Yum Brands Inc. Joined Taco Bell in 2011 as chief marketing and innovation officer and served as president from 2013 to 2014. Prior to Taco Bell, he served in various executive positions at Pizza Hut, another division of Yum Brands, including as general manager and chief marketing officer. He spent 10 years at Procter & Gamble Co., serving in various brand management positions.
RECENT: Chipotle will open between 140 and 155 new stores this year, and will continue to enhance customer convenience through improvements to its online ordering and delivery processes and customer loyalty through its recently unveiled rewards program. Posted a nearly 14% gain in year-over-year revenue as of its latest earnings report. Opening a new R&D facility in Irvine.
FAST FACT: Serves as a director of Harley-Davidson Inc., as well as serving on the board of Chipotle.
QUOTABLE: Niccol’s draw is his reputation as a great executive, Howard Penney, an analyst at Hedgeye Risk Management LLC in Connecticut, told the Business Journal in February. “People want to work for him,” Penney said. “People like that attract talented people.”
PERSONAL: Holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University; MBA from the University of Chicago. Wife, Jennifer; three children.
