#Chipotle Appoints Ilene Eskenazi as New Chief Human Resources Officer

Chipotle has appointed Ilene Eskenazi as its new chief human resources officer, effective Nov. 27. This strategic move aims to support the company’s growing workforce of over 110,000 employees. Eskenazi, who previously served as the chief legal and human resources officer at Petco Health and Wellness, brings over two decades of experience to her new role. Her extensive background includes overseeing compensation and benefits, human resources operations, talent management, and legal matters. This significant hire reflects Chipotle’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and furthering its organizational development.

Chipotle's New HR Leadership

Chipotle Mexican Grill recently appointed a new Chief Human Resources Officer, Ilene Eskenazi, effective Nov. 27. Eskenazi, who will report to chairman and CEO Brian Niccol, brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as the chief legal and human resources officer at Petco Health and Wellness Company. Her expertise includes overseeing compensation and benefits, human resources operations, talent management, and all legal matters. Eskenazi's extensive background in global general counsel and chief human resources officer roles at renowned companies positions her as a valuable addition to Chipotle's leadership team.

Lois Alexis-Collins also joined Chipotle as the Chief People Officer of Field Operations and will report to Eskenazi. Collins, previously VP of human resources at ABM, brings a wealth of experience from her time at other prominent companies such as Steak and Shake Inc. and Ruby Tuesday Inc. The combined expertise of Eskenazi and Alexis-Collins underscores Chipotle's commitment to fortifying its human resources leadership and fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment.

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Previous Roles of Eskenazi and Alexis-Collins

Ilene Eskenazi brings with her a wealth of experience from her tenure as the Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer at Petco Health and Wellness Company and her previous position as the Global General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer at Boardriders. Before that, she held leadership positions at True Religion Apparel, Red Bull North America, and The Wonderful Company, showcasing her extensive background in human resources and legal expertise.

Lois Alexis-Collins, the new Chief People Officer at Chipotle, previously served as Vice President of Human Resources at ABM and held similar roles at Steak and Shake, Ruby Tuesday, Darden Restaurants, and Waffle House. Her experience in talent management and human resources will play a crucial part in supporting Chipotle's vast employee base, comprising over 110,000 restaurant employees.

Chipotle's Expanding Workforce

Chipotle Mexican Grill is experiencing rapid growth, with over 110,000 employees and plans to add more. The company aims to create over 7,000 new jobs in the U.S. this year, showcasing its commitment to expansion and investment in human capital.

Over 110,000 Employees

Chipotle's workforce exceeds 110,000 individuals, a testament to the company's position as a major employer in the restaurant industry. The substantial workforce underscores Chipotle's significant presence and impact on the job market.

Over 7,000 New Jobs in the U.S. This Year

Chipotle's aggressive expansion strategy includes the creation of over 7,000 new job opportunities within the U.S. This substantial influx of employment opportunities not only fuels the company's growth but also contributes to the broader economy by providing valuable employment options for job seekers nationwide.

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This growth aligns with Chipotle's commitment to fostering a robust workforce as it continues to expand and solidify its position within the restaurant industry.

Staffing Levels and Hiring Plans

Over 90% of restaurant management roles were internal promotions last year as Chipotle continues its accelerated expansion plans. The company is strategically investing in human capital to support its growth, and this is reflected in its staffing levels and hiring plans.

Current Staffing Status

Chipotle recently announced a new hiring campaign aimed at attracting 15,000 new team members in preparation for the upcoming busy season. The company is highlighting the career progression of its current employees to drive applications and ensure its restaurants are fully staffed. This commitment to internal career growth and the recruitment of new talent is emblematic of Chipotle's dedication to maintaining robust staffing levels.

Future Restaurant Openings

With a goal of more than doubling its footprint to 7,000 locations in North America, Chipotle is actively planning for future restaurant openings. The company is not only focused on hiring new crew members to support its growth plans but also on promoting and upskilling current employees to serve as leaders in the organization. This forward-looking approach to staffing underscores Chipotle's commitment to nurturing its talent pool and building a strong foundation for future expansion.

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To learn more about Chipotle's hiring campaign and expansion plans, visit Chipotle's new hiring campaign seeks to fill 15,000 jobs.

Improvements in Onboarding and Training at Chipotle

Shift from Virtual to In-person Training

As part of Chipotle's efforts to enhance the onboarding and training process, the company has transitioned from virtual training to in-person training sessions. This change allows new employees to immerse themselves in a more hands-on learning experience, accelerating the onboarding process and fostering greater confidence among crew members. By emphasizing shoulder-to-shoulder training conducted by seasoned managers, Chipotle aims to cultivate a more robust and effective training environment.

Introduction of Labor-saving Technology

Chipotle is also embracing the integration of labor-saving technology into its operations. The company is currently testing a state-of-the-art grill designed to optimize the cooking process for steak and chicken. This new grill not only enhances speed and consistency but also contributes to elevating food quality. Additionally, Chipotle is piloting an automated digital makeline through its partnership with Hyphen, aimed at boosting accuracy and expediting the fulfillment of digital orders. By leveraging these technological advancements, Chipotle seeks to further refine its operational efficiency while maintaining its commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

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Ilene Eskenazi's Extensive HR Experience

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Ilene Eskenazi brings over two decades of extensive experience in the Human Resources (HR) industry, solidifying her as a seasoned professional in her field. Her journey in HR has been marked by pivotal roles and achievements, showcasing her adeptness in steering HR strategies to align with organizational objectives.

Over Two Decades in HR

Eskenazi's commendable career spans more than 20 years, demonstrating her dedication and prowess in the realm of Human Resources. This extensive tenure equips her with a profound understanding of the evolving dynamics within HR, enabling her to navigate complexities and drive impactful initiatives.

Roles at Petco, Boardriders, and Other Companies

Eskenazi's contributions have been notably impactful, particularly during her tenures at Petco and Boardriders. Her leadership roles in these organizations have been instrumental in reshaping HR paradigms, fostering inclusive workplaces, and implementing progressive talent management practices. Her multifaceted experience across diverse companies enriches her strategic perspective, amplifying her proficiency as a Chief Human Resources Officer.

For further context, refer to Petco and Boardriders.

Conclusion

In welcoming Ilene Eskenazi as the new Chief Human Resources Officer, Chipotle aims to leverage her extensive experience to further enhance its workforce. The addition of Eskenazi and Lois Alexis-Collins reflects Chipotle's commitment to strategic leadership appointments to support its growth and the development of its over 110,000 employees. These appointments align with Chipotle's efforts to streamline its onboarding processes and improve overall staffing, in line with its expansion plans and technological advancements.