Panera Brands Inc., the parent company of popular chains such as Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee, and Einstein Bros., has announced the appointment of Paul Carbone as interim chief executive officer. Carbone will be taking over from Jose Alberto Dueñas, who has chosen to step down from his position after leading the company for the past year and a half. Dueñas will remain involved with the company 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 his time at Panera, he held the CFO position at SharkNinja and Yeti Coolers. Carbone also has experience as the chief operating officer at Talbots and has spent over nine years at Dunkin’ Brands in various capacities, including CFO, vice president of strategy and finance, and vice president of financial planning and analysis. His diverse career also includes roles as CFO at Tween Brands, vice president of finance at Victoria’s Secret, and as the founder and sole proprietor of Haymarket Bakery Outlet.
Carbone holds 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 Dueñas’ contributions to the company, including menu transformations, improved margins, and enhanced organizational agility. Grismer also commended Dueñas for positioning the company for long-term growth. Grismer expressed his confidence in Carbone, citing his extensive industry experience and successful track record. He looks forward to collaborating with Carbone as he takes on the role of interim CEO and leads the company’s efforts to strengthen Panera and drive new-unit development. The board of directors fully supports Panera’s current strategic direction and expects the company to continue executing on its plans.
As the newly appointed interim CEO, Carbone is poised to guide Panera Brands through its next phase of growth and development. With his background in finance and operations, coupled with his leadership experience in various prominent companies, Carbone is well-equipped to lead Panera Brands to further success. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and innovation of the company.
In conclusion, the appointment of Paul Carbone as interim CEO of Panera Brands marks a new chapter for the company. With his proven leadership abilities and extensive industry experience, Carbone is positioned to drive the company forward and build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessor. The board of directors and stakeholders have expressed confidence in Carbone’s ability to lead Panera Brands to new heights, and they look forward to the future under his guidance.