Sweetgreen names Chipotle financial exec as next CFO
Sweetgreen is making another change to its C-suite.
The health-focused fast-casual chain has announced the retirement of Mitch Reback, and the appointment of Jamie McConnell, as the company’s chief financial officer. Reback’s retirement will be effective on Sept. 21, and McConnell’s appointment will be effective on Sept. 22. Reback will remain engaged with Sweetgreen in an advisory role for six months to support the transition.
The move comes just days after Sweetgreen appointed former Strava and Yum! Brands executive Zipporah Allen to the role of chief commercial officer. Earlier this year, the chain named restaurant and retail veteran Jason Cochran as its chief operating officer.
McConnell brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience across the restaurant, retail and e-commerce industries to Sweetgreen. Most recently, she served as Chipotle Mexican Grill’s chief accounting and administrative officer for seven years. Prior to Chipotle, McConnell held a variety of senior finance & accounting roles at Aviation Capital Group, Rent-A-Center, Allergan and Deloitte.
“I’m excited to welcome Jamie McConnell as our new CFO, as she will play a pivotal role in efficiently scaling Sweetgreen,” said Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of Sweetgreen. “Jamie is a dynamic financial leader with deep experience guiding complex organizations through growth and transformation. She brings invaluable expertise and will be a trusted partner in our next growth phase.”
Reback had served as CFO of Sweetgreen since 2015. The chain credits him with "building the company’s financial infrastructure from the ground up and implementing critical systems, controls and processes,” adding that under his leadership, Sweetgreen has established a "strong financial foundation."
"It has been a thrilling journey to serve as Sweetgreen's CFO for the past 10 years,” said Reback. “During that time, we grew from a small regional restaurant chain into a national brand. It is particularly gratifying to see how the brand is embraced by so many diverse communities. While we have come far, I'm confident Sweetgreen's best days remain ahead. Jamie brings strong financial expertise and leadership that will help guide Sweetgreen through its next chapter of growth."
[READ MORE: Sweetgreen expanding in the South]
Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen now operates more than 250 locations across the United States. The chain serves salads and bowls that prioritize organic, regenerative and locally-sourced produce.
