Board of Directors Sweetgreen Nominates Monty Moran and Dawn Ostroff to Join Leadership Team
Sweetgreen, the mission-driven restaurant brand dedicated to connecting more people to real food, has announced the nominations of Monty Moran, former co-CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Dawn Ostroff, former Chief Content and Advertising Business Officer at Spotify, to stand for election to the company’s Board of Directors at its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders.
“Monty and Dawn bring a wealth of experience in scaling brands, driving operational excellence, and building strong company cultures,” said Jonathan Neman, Co-Founder and CEO of Sweetgreen. “Monty’s leadership in transforming Chipotle into one of the most successful restaurant companies in the world, combined with Dawn’s expertise in content, brand storytelling, and digital innovation, will help us continue redefining fast food and deepening our connection with customers. Board of Directors We’re thrilled about the prospect of welcoming them to the Sweetgreen team.”
Monty Moran: Leadership in Growth and Culture
Monty Moran is widely recognized for his ability to scale businesses while fostering strong leadership cultures. As former co-CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Monty played an instrumental role in transforming the brand from a regional chain into a national and internationally recognized powerhouse. Board of Directors His leadership focused not only on operational efficiency but also on prioritizing high-quality ingredients and creating a people-first company culture. Board of Directors During his tenure, Chipotle experienced exponential growth, opening hundreds of new locations and gaining a strong reputation for its commitment to fresh, responsibly sourced food.
Before his time at Chipotle, Monty served as CEO of Denver-based law firm Messner and Reeves, LLC, where he led for a decade. His background in law and business provided him with a deep understanding of governance, strategic decision-making, and fostering an environment of accountability and empowerment within organizations. Beyond his corporate roles, Monty is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and filmmaker. His passion for leadership, culture, and human connection aligns seamlessly with Sweetgreen’s mission to transform fast food into a more sustainable, health-conscious industry.
Monty’s ability to scale businesses while maintaining a strong culture will be invaluable to Sweetgreen as it continues its expansion. His experience in the restaurant industry, coupled with his leadership philosophy, will help the company refine its operations, enhance customer experiences, and maintain a strong workplace culture that empowers employees at all levels.
Dawn Ostroff: Driving Digital Innovation and Brand Growth
Dawn Ostroff is a seasoned media and technology executive with an extensive background in brand building, digital innovation, and consumer engagement. As the former Chief Content and Advertising Business Officer at Spotify, Dawn played a critical role in expanding the company’s global content strategy, overseeing music, podcasts, and advertising initiatives. Board of Directors Under her leadership, Spotify became a dominant force in the streaming industry, pioneering new ways to connect with audiences and delivering personalized, immersive experiences that enhanced customer loyalty.
Prior to her tenure at Spotify, Dawn held executive leadership roles at some of the most influential media organizations, including Condé Nast, The CW, Lifetime, and UPN. Board of Directors Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in shaping content strategies that have resonated with millions of consumers, successfully driving brand engagement and revenue growth. Her ability to anticipate industry trends and develop compelling, innovative content has made her a sought-after leader in the intersection of media, technology, and brand storytelling.
Dawn has also served on the boards of Activision Blizzard and Westfield Corporation, both of which were acquired in multi-billion-dollar deals. Her experience in corporate governance, strategic planning, and navigating high-stakes mergers and acquisitions will provide Sweetgreen with valuable insights as it continues to scale and evolve in a competitive market.
With her expertise in digital marketing, storytelling, and customer engagement, Dawn is well-positioned to help Sweetgreen strengthen its brand identity and online presence. As consumers increasingly turn to digital channels for food ordering, recommendations, and brand interactions, Dawn’s insights will be instrumental in shaping Sweetgreen’s digital strategy, helping the company deepen its connection with its community and expand its reach.
Transition in Leadership: Honoring Valerie Jarrett and Youngme Moon
As Sweetgreen welcomes new board nominees, it also acknowledges the contributions of two longstanding board members, Youngme Moon and Valerie Jarrett, who have decided not to stand for re-election at the upcoming annual meeting of stockholders.
“Valerie and Youngme have been instrumental in shaping Sweetgreen’s governance and strategy, bringing deep expertise and unwavering dedication to our board. As Chair of our Nominating, Environmental, Social and Governance (NESG) Committee, Valerie has provided invaluable leadership, helping to guide the company’s long-term vision with insight and purpose. Youngme’s contributions on both the NESG and Compensation Committees have been equally impactful, ensuring that we continue to grow in a way that is both thoughtful and sustainable. We are deeply grateful for their service and leadership,” Neman stated.
Valerie Jarrett, a seasoned business executive and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, has been a key figure in Sweetgreen’s corporate governance. Her leadership in the NESG Committee has helped shape the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. Her strategic vision and advocacy for progressive corporate policies have played a crucial role in Sweetgreen’s continued evolution as a mission-driven brand.
Youngme Moon, a renowned academic and business strategist, has provided essential guidance on both the NESG and Compensation Committees. Her insights into consumer behavior, brand differentiation, and sustainable business growth have influenced key decisions that have helped Sweetgreen thrive in a competitive marketplace. Her contributions have ensured that the company remains committed to both innovation and long-term sustainability.
