Panera Bread names new CFO
Panera Bread has added talent from outside the restaurant industry to its C-suite.
The fast-casual chain has announced that Earl Ellis has been appointed CFO, effective immediately. Ellis will report to CEO Paul Carbone and join the company's executive leadership team.
Ellis most recently served as executive VP and CFO at ABM Industries, a Fortune 500 facility services company, for nearly five years. During his tenure, he led global finance, accounting, investor relations, and procurement, and is credited with helping shape the company's strategic plan.
"Earl is a proven finance leader who blends disciplined financial stewardship with an owner's mindset," said Carbone. "He has scaled complex, multi-brand organizations, led successful transformations, and developed high-performing teams. His experience will help accelerate our plan to strengthen the core business, elevate the guest experience, and drive long-term, profitable growth. Panera is entering a defining phase of evolution, building on our strong foundation, leaning into what makes this brand beloved, and sharpening our focus on the future."
Prior to ABM, Ellis held senior finance leadership roles at Best Buy (including CFO of Best Buy Canada and senior VP of finance in the U.S.), Canadian Tire, Campbell Soup Company, Kraft Foods, and Coca-Cola. He succeeds Megan Mikolaichik, who has served as interim CFO since January 2025 following Carbone's transition from CFO to CEO.
[READ MORE: Panera Bread creates transformation & strategy office, taps outside leader]
"I am honored to join Panera at such an energizing moment for the brand," said Ellis. "Panera's strong foundation, iconic reputation, and passionate teams create an extraordinary platform for growth. I look forward to partnering with Paul and the leadership team to advance our strategy, invest with rigor, and deliver sustainable long-term growth that benefits our team members, guests, franchisees, and stakeholders."
Founded in 1987, Panera Bread is known for its soups, salads, sandwiches, sweets and beverages. As of Sept. 30, 2025 there were 2,231 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.
