Mellody Hobson, chair of Starbucks’ board of directors, praised Niccol for transforming Chipotle since he took over as CEO in 2018, highlighting his emphasis on menu innovation, operational excellence, and digital transformation.
“Brian is a culture carrier who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving innovation and growth,” Hobson said in a statement, PTI reported.
“Like all of us at Starbucks, he understands that a remarkable customer experience is rooted in an exceptional partner experience.” Schultz also expressed his longstanding admiration for Niccol.
In a recent interview with Fortune Magazine, the 57-year-old executive shared insights on his work-life balance. He revealed that he typically wraps up his workday by 6 pm, noting that staying later is reserved for only “very important” matters.
Niccol’s appointment a major win for Starbucks?
Niccol’s appointment is a major win for Starbucks. Under his leadership, Chipotle’s annual sales have soared since he joined in 2018, and the company’s stock has more than tripled over the past five years.
“This is a significant victory for Starbucks. Niccol has earned the respect and confidence of the investment community and will be given the much-needed leeway to make investments and time to turn around Starbucks,” noted BTIG analyst Peter Saleh.