Panera Brands Inc., the parent company of popular chains Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee, and Einstein Bros., recently announced the appointment of Paul Carbone as interim chief executive officer. Carbone takes over from Jose Alberto Dueñas, who has decided to step down from his position after leading the company for a year and a half. Dueñas will continue to support the transition as a special adviser to the CEO until the end of March.
Paul Carbone has been serving as the chief financial officer at Panera Brands since August 2023. Prior to joining the company, he held the position of CFO at SharkNinja and previously served as CFO at Yeti Coolers. Carbone has also held leadership roles at Talbots and Dunkin’ Brands, where he spent over nine years in various capacities, including CFO, vice president of strategy and finance, and vice president of financial planning and analysis. His experience also includes roles as CFO at Tween Brands, vice president of finance at Victoria’s Secret, and founder of Haymarket Bakery Outlet.
Carbone’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business, and a master’s degree in finance from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Patrick Grismer, the board chair for Panera Brands, expressed gratitude for Jose’s contributions in transforming the company’s menu, improving margins, and enhancing organizational agility. He praised Carbone as a respected industry veteran with a proven track record of success and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the company as interim CEO. Grismer emphasized the board’s full support for Panera’s current strategic direction and the expectation for continued execution to strengthen the brand and drive new unit development.
Under Carbone’s leadership, Panera Brands aims to build on its recent successes and drive long-term growth. With a focus on enhancing the customer experience, expanding menu offerings, and optimizing operational efficiency, the company is poised for continued success in the competitive restaurant industry. Carbone’s extensive experience in finance, operations, and strategy positions him well to lead Panera Brands through its next phase of growth and innovation.
As interim CEO, Carbone will work closely with the executive team and board of directors to execute the company’s strategic initiatives and drive sustainable growth. His strong leadership skills, industry knowledge, and financial acumen make him a valuable asset to Panera Brands as it continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
In conclusion, the appointment of Paul Carbone as interim CEO of Panera Brands signals a new chapter for the company as it focuses on strategic growth and innovation. With a strong leadership team in place and a clear vision for the future, Panera Brands is well-positioned to continue delighting customers and driving success in the competitive restaurant industry.