US fast-casual salad chain Sweetgreen has appointed Cindy Olsen as senior vice-president, chief strategy officer, a new position that is effective immediately.

Olsen will lead corporate strategy and strategic communications, spanning strategy, finance and operations.

In a statement, Sweetgreen said she will play a key role in advancing the Sweet Growth Transformation Plan by linking the company’s “strategic priorities into long-term value creation”.

Olsen joins from Chipotle Mexican Grill, where she headed investor relations and strategy and worked with the executive team on long-term strategy and value creation.

She said: “I’m thrilled to join Sweetgreen and its mission of connecting people to real food. I’ve long admired the brand and see a significant opportunity to increase enterprise value.

“I look forward to working alongside others on the leadership team to accelerate the transformation plan, driving near-term execution while building long-term profitable growth.”

In her new role, Olsen will report to Sweetgreen CEO Jonathan Neman.

Neman said: “Cindy is known for her ability to drive profitable growth through a disciplined approach to strategic decision-making.

“She is the perfect addition to the executive team at this juncture in our transformation, with deep consumer and restaurant industry experience and a track record of bringing rigour to investment decisions.”

Sweetgreen currently operates more than 285 locations across the US. In December 2025, the company opened its maiden restaurant venue in Sacramento, California.