Who is Sabir Sami? This is the question many people are asking after the Pakistani-born business executive was appointed to the Board of Directors of Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Earlier this week, Chipotle Mexican Grill said, “Sabir brings more than 30 years of global consumer and restaurant industry experience, including 16 years at Yum! Brands Inc., he held a series of senior leadership roles across KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill.”
It is a major international fast-casual restaurant chain known for its made-to-order burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads, with a market value of approximately $42.3 billion.
Sabir Sami was born in Pakistan and completed his education in Karachi. He joined Yum! Brands in 2009 and went on to hold several leadership positions within the company before joining Chipotle’s Board of Directors.
Sabir Sami as KFC CEO
Sami served as the CEO of KFC from 2022 to 2025, overseeing the brand’s global strategy and performance. During his tenure, he reported directly to the CEO of Yum! Brands, KFC’s parent company.
After stepping down as CEO, Sami said he had been “blessed to work with amazing leaders” and had the opportunity to work with people at all levels across more than 60 countries during his time at KFC.
“As I step down from my full-time role, I look forward to spending time with my family and focusing on a purposeful life,” he said.
Before joining Yum! Brands, Sami held roles at Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company and Reckitt Benckiser. According to his LinkedIn profile, his first role at Procter & Gamble was as an Assistant Brand Manager.
Sabir Sami’s education
He holds an MBA from the University of Karachi and is also an alumnus of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi. He completed his A Levels at St. Edward’s College.
Sami is currently based in Canada, as per his LinkedIn profile.