Name: Michael Kark
New title: President of Global Licensing, Shake Shack
Previous title: Chief Global Licensing Officer, Shake Shack
Kark will begin his expanded role on Feb. 22 after five years as chief global licensing officer. He has been with Shake Shack for over 11 years, focusing on licensed business, according to his LinkedIn profile. During his tenure, Shake Shack’s licensed division grew from four units to 225, according to the press release. Kark also oversees the company’s Asia-Pacific office in Hong Kong, which supports over 100 restaurants in the region.
“Since joining in 2012, [Kark] has made a profound impact on Shake Shack’s international footprint and I’m thrilled for him to expand his role as we enter our next stage of growth,” said Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti “He’s developed critical partnerships and expanded development agreements with the best operators around the globe.”
Prior to Shake Shack, Kark served as a general manager with Chipotle for over two years and a team leader, or area director, with the same brand for about five years, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Michael Kark's resume:
- Feb. 2019 to current: Chief global licensing officer, Shake Shack
- Feb. 2015 to March 2019: VP of global licensing, Shake Shack
- April 2012 to Feb. 2015: Director of international licensed business, Shake Shack
- Dec. 2006 to April 2012: Team leader (area director), Chipotle
- June 2004 to Dec. 2006: General manager, Chipotle
What’s on Kark’s plate:
In his new position, Kark will have additional strategic and operational responsibilities as the chain expands its licensed model in the U.S. and across the world. He will focus on growing the company’s international business, adding licensed partners and ensuring the successful execution of those partnerships. He will maintain his existing oversight of the global licensing teams including operations, marketing, development, design, supply chain and culinary.
In 2023, revenue for Shake Shack’s licensing business reached $40.7 million, an increase of 30% versus 2022, according to an earnings release. The company opened 44 new licensed units last year, including locations in Thailand and Bahamas, compared to 41 new domestic, company-owned units. That growth included its first licensed drive-thrus in Mexico and Dubai, Garutti said during a Thursday earnings call. Shake Shack plans to open 40 more licensed units this year. 2023 marked the chain’s highest new store count in a single year, as it reached 518 units globally.
