Who is Sabir Sami, Pakistan-born former KFC CEO appointed to Chipotle’s board?

Pakistan-born business leader Sabir Sami, once global chief executive of KFC, has been named to the board of Chipotle Mexican Grill. Sami led KFC's global operations from January 2022 to February 2025. He took the helm after serving as brand global COO. Sami joined Yum! Brands in 2009, holding senior roles across multiple markets including Pakistan, Australia, Turkiye, the UAE, Canada, Singapore, Vietnam and the US.

His career in marketing, operations and general management spanned over a decade with Yum! Brands before becoming CEO. Sami's academic credentials include an MBA from the University of Karachi and he also studied at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi. Following his departure from KFC, Sami continued to serve Yum!

Brands in an advisory role until his recent appointment. Sami expressed enthusiasm about joining Chipotle’s Board during a time of growth for the company. His addition brings a high-profile corporate position to the career of a Pakistani-origin executive who once held the top global leadership role at a renowned restaurant brand.