Panera Bread creates transformation & strategy office, taps outside leader
Fast-casual chain Panera Bread has created a new office focused on driving growth.
To lead the newly-created office of transformation & strategy, Panera Bread has tapped Nikka Copeland, who joins the company as senior VP. In the new role, she will manage the strategic execution of Panera’s three-year growth plan, driving business model clarity that will be “instrumental” as the company aims for sustained performance and growth.
Copeland joins Panera Bread from World Kinect Corporation, an energy and commodities company. She served more than nine years there, and most recently held the title of senior VP, business services domain lead.
“I look forward to working closely with Nikka as we develop and execute our strategic plan to build a culture of highly engaged and empowered teams, deliver an exceptional guest experience and increase franchisee profitability,” said Panera Bread CEO Paul Carbone, who took the reins of the company in late March after a stint as interim chief executive. “Nikka brings a wealth of experience in finance, strategy and operations that will prove invaluable as we create the blueprint to scale and grow Panera for the future.”
Copeland has also held finance and strategy positions at National Grid, Aflac and Burger King Corp.
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“I’m excited to join Panera at a time of such remarkable growth potential and to work alongside a talented team to drive meaningful change that brings purpose and strategy together into action,” said Copeland. “Together, we will focus on delivering a great guest experience, high-quality food and good value to accelerate Panera’s momentum and transform the company for sustained growth and profitability.”
As of June 3, 2025 there were 2,197 cafes, company and franchise, in 48 states and Washington D.C. and in Ontario, Canada operating under the Panera Bread or Saint Louis Bread Co. names. Panera Bread is part of Panera Brands, one of the largest fast casual restaurant companies in the U.S., comprised of Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
