Brian Niccol

Brian Niccol is the incoming Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks, effective September 9, 2024. Niccol previously served as Chairman and CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Since joining Chipotle in 2018, Niccol transformed the company. His focus on people and culture, brand, menu innovation, operational excellence, and digital transformation set new standards in the industry and drove significant growth and value creation. Revenue nearly doubled, profits increased nearly sevenfold, and the stock price increased by nearly 800% during his leadership, all while increasing wages for retail team members, expanding benefits, and strengthening the culture.

During Niccol's tenure, Chipotle garnered global acclaim, earning titles such as Fortune's "Most Admired Companies," Forbes' "Best Employers for Diversity," and Fast Company's "World’s Most Innovative Companies." Additionally, it was recognized by Newsweek as one of "America’s Most Loved Companies" and "America’s Most Responsible Companies." Niccol himself was featured on prestigious lists, including Fortune’s "Businessperson of the Year," Bloomberg’s "People who Defined 2019" (The Bloomberg 50), and Barron’s "Top CEOs." He also received accolades from Comparably as "Best CEO" and "Best CEO for Women and Diversity," along with being honored as "Leader of the Year" by Restaurant Business magazine, recognized on Nation’s Restaurant News' "The Power List," and named Distinguished Alumni by the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

Niccol joined Chipotle as Chief Executive Officer and a director in March 2018, and became Chairman of the Board in March 2020. Prior to joining Chipotle, he served as Chief Executive of Taco Bell. Before becoming CEO there, he held roles including Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, and President. He also served in leadership roles at Pizza Hut. Niccol began his career in brand management at Procter and Gamble.

He sits on the board of directors of Walmart Inc. He previously served on the boards of KB Home and Harley-Davidson.

Niccol holds an undergraduate degree from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.