Gerard Barrago exits Five Guys Europe for European tech and systems role at Chipotle Mexican Grill
Gerard Barrago has started a new position as Head of European Technology & Restaurant Systems at Chipotle Mexican Grill. He was previously at Five Guys Europe where he served as Head of Restaurant Technology. His CV also includes a 16 year stint at Yum! Restaurants International.
Sabir Sami
Last week, Chipotle Mexican Grill announced a new addition to its board of directors, Sabir Sami. Sami brings more than 30 years of global consumer and restaurant industry experience, including 16 years at Yum! Brands, where he held a series of senior leadership roles across KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill. Most recently, he served as CEO at KFC from January 2022 to February 2025, with global responsibility for the brand's strategy and performance.
Previously, he was KFC's Chief Operating Officer and MD at KFC Asia, leading the brand's global operations team while overseeing markets across Thailand, India, Central Asia and Greater Asia. He has also been MD at KFC's Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets.
"Sabir brings deep restaurant operating expertise and a proven track record leading brands across international markets," says Scott Maw, Chairman. "That experience will be invaluable as we scale Chipotle with intention, strengthen our operations and expand access to our brand around the world."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Restaurant technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
