Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that it has hired Ilene Eskenazi as its Chief Human Resources Officer. Serving on the Executive Leadership Team, Eskenazi will begin on November 27, and report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol.
Eskenazi comes to Chipotle from Petco Health and Wellness Company, where she served as Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer, overseeing compensation and benefits, human resources operations, talent management, as well as all legal matters. Prior to that, Eskenazi was the Global General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer at Boardriders, Inc. (previously Quiksilver, Inc.). Before that, Eskenazi held the post of Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President of Talent Operations and Performance at True Religion Apparel, Inc. She held senior leadership positions at Red Bull North America, Inc. and The Wonderful Company.
“Ilene’s vast human resources experience and legal expertise will be instrumental in growing Chipotle’s culture of people development and strengthening the organization as a best-in-class employer. This is critical in Chipotle delivering our mission of Cultivating a Better World and growing to 7,000 restaurants,” Niccol says.
Eskenazi adds: “It is an honor to join an industry-leading organization that invests heavily in its purpose-driven workforce. I am eager to deliver on Chipotle’s strategic priorities and look forward to positioning the company for even greater success.”
Lois Alexis-Collins has also joined the company and will serve as Chief People Officer, Field Operations, reporting to Eskenazi. Collins will play a critical role in supporting Chipotle’s 110,000+ restaurant employees. Collins previously served as Vice President of Human Resources at ABM, a facility solutions provider. Before that, Collins held the Vice President of Human Resources title at both Steak and Shake Inc. as well as Ruby Tuesday Inc. Additionally, Collins served in senior talent and people roles with Darden Restaurants and Waffle House Inc.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to join this remarkable company where I can apply my passion for engaging and retaining talent to help build future restaurant leaders,” says Alexis-Collins.
