Who Is Brian Niccol, the Incoming Starbucks C.E.O. From Chipotle?

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Starbucks unveiled an abrupt leadership change on Tuesday: Brian Niccol, a high-profile name in the restaurant industry, is taking the reins, after months of weak sales at the coffee giant and a falling stock price. Mr. Niccol will step in as chief executive next month, replacing Laxman Narasimhan, whose relatively brief stint in the top job at Starbucks began in March last year. The company’s chief financial officer, Rachel Ruggeri, will serve as interim chief executive until Mr. Niccol officially joins the company on Sept. 9. Starbucks’ shares soared on Tuesday after the announcement, rising about 20 percent as investors — including activist investment groups that have pushed the company to make changes — largely cheered the leadership pivot. Here’s what to know about the incoming Starbucks leader. Chipotle saw rapid growth during his tenure. Mr. Niccol is coming off of six years at the helm of Chipotle Mexican Grill — a period that saw the fast-casual burrito chain nearly double its sales. The company’s stock price has increased about 800 percent since he took over in early 2018.