Panera Brands CEO José Alberto Dueñas Steps Down; CFO Paul Carbone Appointed Interim CEO

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José Alberto Dueñas, the CEO of Panera Brands, has stepped down from his role after less than two years. He will continue to serve as a special advisor to the company through the end of March to ensure a smooth transition. Dueñas took over as CEO in May 2023 following a tenure as president and CEO of Einstein Bros. His resignation comes amid significant changes and strategic transformations within the company, including a near-total menu overhaul, improvements in restaurant-level margins, and enhanced organizational agility.

Paul Carbone, the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Panera Brands, has been appointed as the interim CEO. Carbone, who joined Panera in August 2023, brings extensive experience from his previous roles as CFO at Dunkin' Brands, Yeti Holdings, and SharkNinja. The board of directors is currently searching for a permanent replacement among both internal and external candidates.

Dueñas expressed pride in his leadership during a transformative period for Panera Brands and emphasized the strategic foundation and strong leadership team in place. Carbone, in his new role, is tasked with advancing the company's strategies, particularly focusing on new unit development and maintaining Panera's position as a leader in the fast-casual dining industry.