Panera Bread names new marketing leader
Panera Bread has added a fast-casual restaurant veteran to its C-suite.
Mark Shambura has joined the bakery-cafe chain as chief marketing officer, and will lead all aspects of marketing including brand building, digital & loyalty, product strategy and consumer insights.
Shambura joins Panera Bread from Papa Johns, where he served as chief marketing officer since April 2023. Prior to Papa Johns, he spent more than four years as chief marketing officer at Mod Pizza, which was preceded by a five-year stint at Chipotle Mexican Grill.
As executive director of marketing at Chipotle, Shambura guided the marketing function through periods of sustained growth, and helped lead brand strategy, advertising, digital, social, events/sponsorships, promotions, and more.
"Mark brings an impressive background building brands and leading marketing teams for fast-casual restaurants, and we're thrilled to welcome him to Panera Bread," said José Alberto Dueñas, CEO of Panera Bread. "As Panera continues to evolve our brand, guided by listening to our guests, Mark's depth of experience and ability will help drive our growth as a brand that serves great food you feel good about eating."
Shambura officially assumed the role of chief marketing officer on July 29, 2024, and will report directly to Dueñas.
Shambura officially assumed the role of chief marketing officer on July 29, 2024. He reports directly to Dueñas.
"I'm proud to join the Panera Bread team and excited to build on the momentum of the brand's transformation as it continues to evolve in service of our guests," said Shambura. "Panera propelled and cemented its position at the top of the fast casual restaurant segment through its promise of high-quality ingredients and freshly prepared food, and I'm thrilled to join a highly talented team to help shape its next chapter."
[READ MORE: Panera Brands reportedly plans IPO for 2024]
As of July 23, 2024, Panera Bread, known for its soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods, operated 2,169 bakery-cafes in 48 states and Washington D.C., and in Ontario, Canada, operating under the Panera Bread or Saint Louis Bread Co. names.
