Chris Brandt, the Chief Marketing Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill, is at the forefront of a transformational journey aimed at reshaping the popular fast-casual chain into a purpose-driven lifestyle brand. With a distinguished career spanning prominent retail, hospitality, and consumer products companies, Brandt brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving sales, profit, and share growth.
Before assuming his current role at Chipotle, Brandt served as the EVP and chief brand officer for Bloomin’ Brands, overseeing marketing activities for well-known establishments such as Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s. Prior to that, he held the position of chief brand officer at Taco Bell, where he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives like Live Mas, Doritos Locos Tacos, Breakfast, and the Mobile App.
Brandt's journey through the corporate landscape also includes significant roles at Odwalla and General Mills, where he honed his skills in marketing, brand development, and consumer insights across diverse product categories.
A graduate of UCSD with a B.A. and holding an MBA from UCLA, Brandt's expertise lies in blending strategy, creativity, and business acumen to drive overnight sales while also building enduring brands over time. His proficiency spans traditional and digital marketing channels, with a keen focus on analytics and ROI-driven strategies.
At Chipotle, Brandt's mission is clear: to make the brand more visible, engaging, accessible, and culturally relevant to consumers. Leveraging his deep understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics, he aims to infuse Chipotle with a sense of purpose that resonates with today's socially conscious consumers.
Under Brandt's leadership, Chipotle is undergoing a comprehensive revitalization across various fronts, including menu innovation, marketing communications, and customer experience. His emphasis on consumer insight-driven innovation and his ability to maximize the potential of each concept are driving the brand toward greater heights.
Moreover, Brandt is committed to fostering an innovative culture within Chipotle, building high-performing teams, and nurturing strong relationships with stakeholders, including agencies, media partners, operations, franchisees, and customers.
As Chipotle continues its evolution under Brandt's visionary leadership, it is poised to not only maintain its position as a leader in the fast-casual dining space but also emerge as a beacon of purpose-driven brand excellence in the eyes of consumers worldwide. With his blend of strategic vision and creative prowess, Brandt is steering Chipotle towards a future where its impact transcends the realm of food, embodying a lifestyle centered around purpose and values.