Staffing

Shake Shack hires chief commercial officer to oversee marketing, culinary, revenue

Photo: Shake Shack

January 20, 2026

Shake Shack Inc. has hired Jim Taylor as its first chief commercial officer, a new position designed to oversee the company's marketing, culinary and revenue growth strategies.

Taylor, who assumes the role effective immediately, will report directly to CEO Rob Lynch. His appointment comes as the New York-based burger chain continues to expand its global footprint, which now includes more than 660 locations.

"Jim brings unique expertise in building high-performing teams, developing thoughtful commercial strategies and executing bold innovation," Lynch said in a press release.

Taylor joins Shake Shack with more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant and consumer packaged goods sectors. He most recently served as president of Sonic under the Inspire Brands umbrella.

During an 11-year tenure at Inspire, Taylor held several executive leadership roles at Arby's, including president and chief marketing officer. The company credits Taylor with helping revitalize the Arby's brand through menu and marketing transformations that led to 12 consecutive years of sales growth.

His resume also includes marketing and menu leadership roles at Darden Restaurants' Red Lobster and Olive Garden, as well as early career experience at Procter & Gamble.

"I have been a huge fan of Shake Shack for many years and could not be more excited to work with this talented team to drive the next chapter of growth," Taylor said in the release.

A graduate of the University of Illinois and Stanford University with degrees in engineering, Taylor currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the University of Georgia's Graduate School of Business.

Since opening its first location in Madison Square Park in 2004, Shake Shack has expanded to 35 states and various international markets, including London, Shanghai, and Dubai.