Steve Ells has seen substantial fluctuations in his holdings throughout his time at Chipotle. At his peak in 2014, his fortune was significantly bolstered by stock options worth approximately $28 million, reflecting his leadership during a time of growth for...

Steve Ells has seen substantial fluctuations in his holdings throughout his time at Chipotle. At his peak in 2014, his fortune was significantly bolstered by stock options worth approximately $28 million, reflecting his leadership during a time of growth for the company. However, his compensation faced wild swings tied to performance metrics, such as the zero vested stock in 2016 when company targets were missed. His holdings have typically included significant amounts of stock options and performance shares, indicating a strong alignment with Chipotle's success. As of his departure from active management in 2020, Ells continued to maintain a notable stake that while diminished, still reflects years of hard work and strategic decisions that shaped the fast-food giant into the prominent player it is today. Over the years, his share value fluctuated, affecting his net worth and illustrating the direct impact of business performance on executive compensation.