Trending: Chipotle Faces Test After CEO Moves to Starbucks

14:21 ET -- Chipotle Mexican Grill is one of the most mentioned companies in the U.S. across all news items in the past 12 hours, according to Factiva data. Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol was named as the next leader at Starbucks as the coffeehouse chain works to turn around its business and contend with activist investors. Chipotle's steady leadership faces a test with the second change in its top ranks in just over a month. Chipotle named Scott Boatwright, its chief operating officer, as interim CEO. Previously, the casual restaurant company named Adam Rymer as chief financial officer, beginning January 1, replacing Jack Hartung. A commitment by its retiring finance chief to stick around to help with the transition, should be enough to keep growth on track, analysts say. Chipotle should be able to attract a strong candidate to fill the chief executive role thanks to the attractive opportunity to lead a chain with growth potential, analysts say. Chipotle's stock fell as much as 12%, its sharpest drop since it fell 14.6% on Oct. 25, 2017. Dow Jones & Co. owns Factiva. (matthew.walker@dowjones.com)

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August 13, 2024 14:36 ET (18:36 GMT)

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