It a world where who has the gold, rules, it should come as no surprise that Denver, Colorado-based Chipotle Mexican Grill is laying off 399 employees in its Denver headquarters to relocate to Newport Beach, California where its newly appointed CEO Brian Niccol happens to live.
Niccol, the former head of Irvine, California-based Taco Bell is said to be bringing key employees with him. Niccol justified the move by saying, "The consolidation of offices and the move to California will help us drive sustainable growth while continuing to position us well in the competition for top talent."
Among those being laid off include 73 technology analysts, 14 food safety coordinators, and two human resources directors. Support services will be consolidated in an existing facility in Columbus, Ohio while the corporate functions: operations, business development, marketing, communications, finance, supply chain, food safety, technology and human resources will be transitioned to Newport Beach. Operational support services will be consolidated at an existing office in Columbus, Ohio.
The company is closing the Denver office and another one in New York where 32 employees will lose their jobs. Even though employees are being offered the opportunity to relocate, living expenses in the posh Newport Beach area are prohibitive, especially when compared to Denver real estate values.
Are you wondering, Am I Next?