American fast casual restaurant Chipotle Mexican Grill has revealed leadership changes, as part of a strategy to turnaround the company.

The company is now on the lookout for a new CEO who would help address the challenges facing the company, improve execution, build customer trust, and drive sales.

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In 2015, the company faced a string of E.coli outbreaks at several of its restaurants, leading to lost sales and damaging reputation.

As part of the changes announced, Chipotle’s current chairman, CEO and founder Steve Ells will become executive chairman after identifying a new CEO.

Chipotle current chairman, CEO and founder Steve Ells said: “Simply put, we need to execute better to ensure our future success. The Board and I are committed to bringing in an experienced leader with a passion for driving excellence across every aspect of our business, including the customer experience, operations, marketing, technology, food safety, and training.”

He added: “Bringing in a new CEO is the right thing to do for all our stakeholders. It will allow me to focus on my strengths, which include bringing innovation to the way we source and prepare our food.

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A search committee, including directors Robin Hickenlooper and Ali Namvar, and Steve Ells, has been formed by the board to begin the search for a new CEO.

Executive recruitment firm Spencer Stuart will also assist the team to identify a new chief “who can face the firm’s challenges with refined workflow process”, according to Chipotle.

Chipotle was founded by Steve Ells in 1993 as a single restaurant in Colorado. The chain currently operates more than 2,350 outlets worldwide.