sweetgreen Announces Change to the Executive Leadership Team

Rhea-AI Summary

sweetgreen has announced the departure of Chief Operating Officer Chris Carr, effective March 17, 2023, due to personal reasons. Carr will continue to advise the company during Q1 2023. Stephanie Traut, SVP of Operations, will assume operational oversight from January 1, 2023. CEO Jonathan Neman highlighted Carr's significant contributions during a challenging operational period, especially amid the pandemic. Traut has over 20 years of operational experience, previously serving at Vasa Fitness and Starbucks, and is expected to enhance the company's operational performance.

Positive

• Stephanie Traut brings over 20 years of operational leadership, enhancing operational expertise.
• Traut's previous experience at Starbucks and Vasa Fitness adds valuable insights to sweetgreen's management.

Negative

• Chris Carr's departure could lead to potential continuity concerns in operational leadership.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, sweetgreen announces that Chris Carr, Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), will be departing the Company for personal reasons on March 17, 2023. In the first quarter of 2023, Chris will stay on in an advisory capacity. Effective January 1, 2023, Stephanie Traut, SVP of Operations, will oversee Operations reporting directly to Jonathan Neman.

Jonathan Neman, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, shared, “Chris has been a valued member of the sweetgreen leadership team and I’m grateful for the contributions he has made. Chris joined the company at the height of the pandemic and helped us navigate a challenging and uncertain operating environment. He led the simplification of our operations and laid the foundation for scale as we enter our next phase of growth. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the company, I would like to thank him for the positive impact he has had on sweetgreen and wish him every success in his future endeavors.”

Chris Carr, COO, said, "As I reflect on my time with sweetgreen, I’m immensely proud of the work we’ve done together. We have an incredible team of leaders who are dedicated to our mission of connecting people to real food. The strength of the team gives me confidence in my personal decision. In addition to being a continued loyal customer, I look forward to watching sweetgreen’s continued growth.”

Traut joined sweetgreen in August 2021 bringing over 20 years of operational leadership. Prior to joining sweetgreen, Stephanie served as Chief Operating Officer of Vasa Fitness. Stephanie also served in a variety of roles at Starbucks for nearly 8 years, including as Vice President Licensed Stores - Southwest, Vice President Workforce Management, and Director of Labor and Deployment.

“Stephanie came to sweetgreen with deep operational expertise in the restaurant space. In her time here, she has proven herself as a respected and effective hands-on leader. I am confident that Stephanie will continue to raise the bar and give our guests and team members an exceptional experience,” said Neman.

About sweetgreen:

sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) passionately believes that real food should be convenient and accessible to everyone. Every day their team members create plant-forward, seasonal, and earth-friendly meals from fresh ingredients and produce that prioritizes organic, regenerative, and local sourcing. Sweetgreen strongly believes in harnessing the power of technology to enhance the customer experience to meet their customers where they are. Sweetgreen’s strong food ethos and investment in local communities have enabled them to grow into a national brand with a mission to build healthier communities by connecting people to real food. To learn more about sweetgreen and its menu, visit www.sweetgreen.com. Follow sweetgreen on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @sweetgreen.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221205005861/en/

sweetgreen Contact, Investor Relations:

Rebecca Nounou

ir@sweetgreen.com

sweetgreen Contact, Media:

Maude Michel

press@sweetgreen.com

Source: sweetgreen

FAQ

What prompted Chris Carr's departure from sweetgreen?

Chris Carr is departing due to personal reasons.

Who will oversee operations at sweetgreen after Chris Carr's departure?

Stephanie Traut will oversee operations starting January 1, 2023.

What experience does Stephanie Traut bring to sweetgreen?

Stephanie Traut has over 20 years of operational leadership, previously serving at Vasa Fitness and Starbucks.

How did Chris Carr contribute to sweetgreen during his tenure?

Chris Carr helped navigate operational challenges during the pandemic and simplified operations for growth.

When is Chris Carr's last day at sweetgreen?

Chris Carr's last official day is March 17, 2023, but he will assist in an advisory role during Q1 2023.