Sweetgreen has hired new heads of both the culinary and marketing divisions—and they worked together previously at Chipotle.
Chad Brauze, the former senior director of culinary innovation and sustainability for Burger King, has joined Sweetgreen to oversee menu development and innovation, reporting to Nicolas Jammet, co-founder and chief concept officer, the company said Monday.
Chad Brauze. | Photo courtesy of Sweetgreen
In addition, Sweetgreen named Michael Kotick the head of marketing. Kotick will report to Nathanial Ru, co-founder and chief brand officer. The fast-casual chain’s former CMO Daniel Shlossman left earlier this year to join the team at the food delivery startup Wonder.
Michael Kotick. |Photo courtesy of Sweetgreen.
Both Brauze and Kotick spent time at Chipotle previously.
Kotick was most recently Chipotle’s senior director of marketing, and he also led that chain’s marketing strategy for Chipotle’s growth in Canada and Western Europe.
Before joining Burger King, Brauze was director of culinary and menu development for Chipotle, and he was behind the launch of menu items like queso blanco, carne asada and brisket. Brauze also trained in high-end kitchens, including El Bulli, Per Se and Daniel.
“We are thrilled to have these two industry leaders join our team at such an exciting time for the company,” said Sweetgreen co-founder and CEO Jonathan Neman, in a statement. “Over the past several months, we have introduced heartier menu options and launched our loyalty program, building on our industry leading digital app. Their deep experience in menu innovation and marketing, combined with their passion for scaling businesses and pushing boundaries, will help us further our mission of connecting people to real food.”
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.