Tesla Adds Chipotle Executive to Its Board

Tesla just made an interesting move, adding Jack Hartung, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Chipotle Mexican Grill, to its Board of Directors. The announcement comes at a critical time for the EV maker, as it navigates slowing sales and increased pressure on CEO Elon Musk’s leadership.

So why does a burrito chain exec belong on Tesla’s board? Let’s break it down.

Who Is Jack Hartung?

Hartung is no newcomer to big business. He spent over two decades at Chipotle, helping scale the fast-casual brand to more than 3,700 locations worldwide. Before that, he worked nearly 20 years at McDonald’s. He knows what it takes to grow a brand, manage supply chains, and keep financials tight, skills Tesla could use more of right now.

What Will He Do at Tesla?

Hartung officially joins the Tesla board on June 1, 2025, and will also sit on the Audit Committee. That’s the group that oversees financial reporting and internal controls, making his CFO background especially valuable.

He’s also opted to waive all compensation, no cash, no stock options, for his role, staying consistent with what many Tesla board members do.

Why Now?

Tesla is under the microscope. Sales have dipped globally, and there’s growing talk about Elon Musk’s influence on the company. The board is even reviewing his massive pay package. Hartung’s appointment looks like a move to bring fresh eyes and corporate discipline to the table.

And here’s something interesting: Tesla is planning a retro diner and charging station concept in L.A. which some see as a nod to Hartung’s food-industry roots. Could this be part of a bigger strategy to improve the Tesla customer experience?

Any Controversy?

Tesla did disclose that Hartung’s son-in-law works for the company as a service technician. But they say his role is non-executive, and his pay is in line with others doing similar work.

Final Thoughts

Tesla’s board just got a little spicier, literally and figuratively. Whether Hartung’s experience in scaling one of America’s most recognizable restaurant brands will translate to electric vehicles remains to be seen. But if nothing else, it’s clear Tesla is trying to bring more operational muscle into the room.