• by Tanya Gazdik , 3 hours ago

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced Jan. 12 that President and Chief Brand Officer Chris Brandt is leaving his role effective immediately. 

“The move comes amid an effort to ramp up marketing for the fast-casual brand with the goal of driving traffic,” according to Restaurant Business. “It also comes less than a year after Brandt, who has been leading Chipotle’s marketing team for nearly eight years as chief brand officer, added the title president to his role after former president and chief strategy officer Jack Hartung retired last year.”

The company has begun an internal and external search for a new CMO with the assistance of an executive search firm.

“Brandt will remain with the company in an advisory role for a limited time to assist with the transition,” according to Marketing Dive. “Stephanie Perdue, Chipotle’s vice president of brand marketing, will serve as interim chief marketing officer. Perdue joined Chipotle in July 2018 after a stint as CMO at TGI Fridays. Previously, the executive held multiple marketing roles during more than 12 years at Taco Bell.”

Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel Roger Theodore’s has also departed his role, with Chief Human Resources Officer Ilene Eskenazi adding “chief legal officer” to her title. 

“Roger has been a trusted advisor to our leadership team and Board of Directors, while Chris has been instrumental in helping Chipotle become a purpose-driven lifestyle brand, making it more visible, accessible and culturally relevant with consumers,” CEO Scott Boatwright said in a statement, according to Orange County Business Journal. 

Boatwright said that the company is reaffirming its full-year 2025 financial guidance that was issued in October and remains confident in in its 2026 strategic plan, according to Chain Store Age. 

Chipotle’s fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 earnings call will take place on Feb. 3.