News

Mod Pizza snags Chipotle's former marketing director

January 16, 2019

Mod Pizza has appointed Chipotle's former executive director of marketing as its CMO. Mark Shambura will lead the Seattle-based fast casual's marketing strategy for its 400 locations across the U.S. and U.K., according to a company press release.

While working for Chipotle, Shambura oversaw most of the key marketing functions supporting the brand's 2,400 restaurants. In 2016, he served as interim head of marketing for Chipotle, overseeing global efforts for the organization's full portfolio of concepts. 

"Mark is an intuitive and collaborative leader with deep expertise in complex national and local marketing operations. He will add tremendous value to Mod's executive team at a critical stage in our growth as we extend our leadership in the fast casual pizza category and double-down on our commitment to making a positive social impact," Mod CEO Scott Svenson, said in the release. "His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build our brand, deepen our connections in the markets we serve, and drive awareness of MOD's purpose beyond pizza."

Prior to Chipotle, Shambura spent eight years at Creative Artists Agency, where he helped launch Chipotle's "Back to the Start" campaign and developed marketing strategies for Starbucks, Coca-Cola and eBay. Shambura also served as head of brand marketing, senior director at One Kings Lane, a home decor e-commerce platform.

"Mod's special culture and purpose is truly unique in our industry," Shambura said. "I'm thrilled to join a team that is not only dedicated to growing a world class brand, but that is also deeply committed to being a force for good. It's rare to find a company where these values complement each other, and I look forward to contributing to Mod's continued success as a leading people-first brand.”