• by Teresa Buyikian , Yesterday

The U.S.’s largest fast-casual Mexican-inspired food chain is mixing up more than guacamole with its executive board.

Jason Kidd has joined Chipotle as the company’s chief operating officer beginning May 19. He reports to CEO Scott Boatwright and will be based in Newport Beach, California.

Kidd isn’t moving far. He joined Chipotle from Southern California neighbor Taco Bell, where he had been global COO since February 2024.

Prior to Taco Bell, Kidd most recently served as president of Hearing Lab Technologies, a wellness and fitness company. Earlier in his career Kidd spent almost 14 years in retail, holding various senior positions such as president and CEO of the 99 Cents Store and senior vice president of operations for Sam’s Club.

"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," said Boatwright. "His vast operational experience at large scale multiunit retail will bring a strong foundation and new strategic thinking to our executive team."

Additionally, President and Chief Strategy Officer Jack Hartung has announced his retirement after more than 25 years with Chipotle. Hartung joined the company in 2002 and has held multiple senior positions such as chief financial and administrative officer. While he is stepping down from his current role June 1, he will remain on as senior advisor through early March 2026.

In order to help with the transition, Chipotle’s Chief Customer and Technology Officer Curt Garner will “expand his scope of responsibility” to oversee supply chain as the president, chief strategy and technology officer. Chief Brand Officer Chris Brandt will lead a “cross-functional team to drive all menu and ingredient processes” as president, chief brand officer.

The executive changes come as Chipotle sees another quarter of growth, recently reporting a total revenue increase of 6.4% to $2.9 billion YOY for the first quarter for 2025. But the numbers came in lower than predicted, missing analyst expectations of $2.95 billion. And while earnings increased 7.4% to 29 cents per share, higher than the 28 cents expected, according to Barron’s the “figures look weak compared with the 24% earnings growth and 15% sales growth across the four quarters in 2024. Same-store sales (also) declined 0.4% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025 as transaction volume fell.”