Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE: SG), the mission-driven restaurant company known for redefining fast casual dining through a focus on fresh, sustainable, and real food, has announced the appointment of Zipporah “Zip” Allen as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective September 2, 2025. Allen, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience at the intersection of food, technology, and consumer engagement, will play a central role in shaping Sweetgreen’s next phase of growth.
In her new role, Allen will oversee key commercial strategies, including refining brand positioning, expanding menu innovation, driving customer demand, and strengthening the company’s ability to connect deeply with its guests. Sweetgreen executives emphasized that this appointment marks a pivotal step in advancing the company’s mission of bringing healthier, real food to communities across the United States.
A Leader to Shape Sweetgreen’s Next Chapter
Jonathan Neman, Co-Founder and CEO of Sweetgreen, expressed confidence that Allen’s expertise and creativity will significantly impact the company’s future.
“Zipporah is a visionary leader with a rare ability to turn ideas into iconic customer experiences and lasting brand love,” Neman said. “Her bold perspective and creative drive make her the ideal partner to help shape Sweetgreen’s next chapter. We’re excited to have her on our team as we expand the reach of real food to more communities across the country.”
For Allen, the move represents not only a professional milestone but also a personal alignment with Sweetgreen’s values.
“I’m thrilled to join Sweetgreen’s mission of connecting people to real food,” Allen said in her statement. “I’ve long admired the team at Sweetgreen for their commitment to sustainable sourcing, their strong ties with local farmers, and their innovative approach to creating a seamless customer experience through digital channels. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to continue to grow the brand and business with more customers and communities.”
A Track Record of Transformational Leadership
Allen brings a diverse and impressive resume that blends executive leadership across both restaurant and technology sectors. Her career is defined by a consistent ability to drive growth, foster innovation, and build brands that resonate with customers.
Most recently, Allen served as Chief Business Officer at Strava, the world’s leading digital fitness subscription platform. At Strava, she oversaw a wide array of functions, including Marketing, Partnerships, Sales, Growth Product, Customer Service, and Communications. Her leadership directly fueled the profitable growth of the business and expanded Strava’s global reach. During her tenure, Strava’s community grew by 45%, reaching over 150 million members in 190 countries. Allen not only boosted topline revenue but also ensured operational efficiency and stronger bottom-line results.
Before Strava, Allen held a groundbreaking role as the first Global Chief Digital Officer at Taco Bell, where she spearheaded the digital transformation of one of the world’s most recognized quick-service brands. She led the integration of digital technology across ordering channels, including mobile app, website, kiosks, and delivery platforms. Under her leadership, Taco Bell’s digital transactions grew dramatically—from just 3% of sales to over 20%.
One of her most notable accomplishments at Taco Bell was the creation and launch of the company’s first-ever loyalty program. She successfully recruited 12 million customers to the platform, significantly boosting customer lifetime value and increasing profit per customer by 46%. This loyalty initiative not only strengthened brand affinity but also gave Taco Bell valuable data-driven insights into customer preferences and behavior.
Allen’s earlier career also includes her time as Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut, where she played a crucial role in repositioning the brand as a delivery-first business. She was instrumental in halting a trend of declining transactions, shifting the brand narrative, and positioning Pizza Hut to compete more effectively in the fast-changing food delivery market.
Why Sweetgreen and Why Now?
Sweetgreen has always positioned itself as more than just a restaurant chain—it is a brand rooted in a mission to make real food accessible, affordable, and appealing. Founded in 2007, the company has grown into a leader in the fast casual space, known for its emphasis on sustainability, community partnerships with local farmers, and its ability to integrate technology into the customer experience.
In recent years, Sweetgreen has invested heavily in digital platforms, automation, and personalized customer engagement strategies. From app-based ordering to smart kitchen technologies, the company has embraced innovation as a key driver of its growth. Allen’s background, particularly her expertise in digital transformation and customer engagement at scale, aligns directly with these ambitions.
Industry observers note that the timing of her appointment comes as Sweetgreen continues to navigate a dynamic restaurant landscape. With increasing consumer demand for healthier food options, rising competition in the fast casual sector, and evolving expectations around convenience and digital experiences, the company is positioning itself for long-term success by bringing in leaders like Allen.
A Vision for the Future
Allen’s appointment signals Sweetgreen’s intent to balance its mission-driven ethos with aggressive commercial growth. By strengthening menu offerings, leveraging technology for personalized engagement, and expanding access to real food in new communities, Sweetgreen hopes to cement itself as both a lifestyle brand and a leader in the future of dining.
Her ability to blend creativity with data-driven strategies will be especially valuable as Sweetgreen continues to innovate in areas such as menu development, loyalty programs, and partnerships. Allen is expected to play a significant role in not only deepening customer loyalty but also in making Sweetgreen a household name across the U.S.
With her history of transforming legacy brands and scaling emerging platforms, Allen’s move to Sweetgreen is being viewed as a strategic and timely decision. For Sweetgreen, it marks the beginning of a new era where purpose and profit work hand-in-hand. For Allen, it is an opportunity to apply her expertise to a company that resonates with her personal values and professional aspirations.
As the company looks ahead, one thing is clear: with Zipporah “Zip” Allen at the helm of its commercial operations, Sweetgreen is poised to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the fast casual restaurant industry—delivering not only meals but also meaningful connections between food, people, and community.
