Panera Brands Inc. has named a seasoned retail executive as its new finance head.
The company, whose brands include Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros., has appointed Paul Carbone as CFO, effective August 15, 2023.
Carbone brings decades of operational, IPO and public company experience, according to the company release. Most recently, he served as CFO of SharkNinja. Prior to that, was CFO of Yeti Coolers, from 2018 to 2022, and COO of Talbots.
Carbone also spent nine years at Dunkin’ Brands, where he was CFO from 2012 to 2017 and during which the company doubled its market capitalization.
“I am excited for Paul to join the team as we continue to focus on long-term value-creation for Panera Brands,” said José Alberto Dueñas, who took the reins as CEO of Panera Brands and Panera Bread last month. “Paul’s depth of knowledge and history of success across multiple industries, particularly in the restaurant space, and his dynamic leadership qualities make him an ideal partner as we take Panera Brands to the next level.”
Panera Brands generated more than $4.8 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2022.
“I could not be more thrilled to join this dynamic and innovative company at such an energizing and exciting time for the business,” said Carbone, who will be based out of Panera Bread’s support center in Newton, Mass. “I look forward to joining an already outstanding leadership team and accelerating the momentum of Panera Brands to deliver long-term growth and success.”
Panera Brands is one of the world’s largest fast casual restaurant platforms, with 3,852 locations and approximately 120,000 employees, including franchisees, across 11 countries.