Michael Kark

President of Global Licensing at Shake Shack

Speaker

Michael Kark has served as Shake Shack's President of Global Licensing since 2024 and previously served as Chief Global Licensing Officer beginning in 2019. He is responsible for overseeing the Company's rapidly expanding licensed partnerships around the world, spanning more than 22 countries across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America.

Michael joined Shake Shack in 2012, leading the international licensing business from its infancy. Since then, he has established pivotal partnerships, built an extraordinary global organization, and played a central role in carrying the brand into some of the world's most competitive and culturally distinct markets. He leads cross-functional teams spanning operations, marketing, real estate and design, culinary innovation, and supply chain, ensuring Shake Shack maintains brand integrity while adapting meaningfully to local markets.

Prior to Shake Shack, Michael spent nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, including formative roles at Chipotle Mexican Grill, where he developed the operational and strategic foundation that has defined his career. He brings more than 25 years of experience across global business development, international market entry, licensee development, partner negotiations, and P&L management.

Michael holds a degree from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.