St. Louis / MO. (pbc) Panera Brands Inc., which includes the fast casual and hospitality brand «Panera Bread» as well as «Caribou Coffee» and «Einstein Bros.» Brands, is pleased to announce the appointment of Konrad Meyer as Chief Financial Officer, effective August 22, 2022. Meyer joins Panera Brands from JAB Holdings, where he has been a Partner helping to source and oversee its investments, including its fast casual restaurant portfolio. He brings significant experience in the industry, including previously serving as interim CFO of «Pret a Manger».
Ted Stedem, current Panera Brands CFO, is stepping down from his role to pursue other interests after supporting the company during a time of significant evolution and growth. In addition to the appointment of Meyer to CFO of Panera Brands, Mark Wooldridge, SVP, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, will also assume the responsibilities of Panera Bread Chief Financial Officer.
Panera Brands is one of the world’s largest and most innovative fast-casual restaurant companies, focused on providing delicious options made from high-quality ingredients while providing an elevated experience rooted in omni-channel access, personalization, and convenience. In the past year, Panera Brands companies have driven rapid innovation, combining leading competencies in digital and loyalty with a best-in-class food innovation pipeline, a first of its kind Unlimited Sip Club subscription, new franchise partnerships and new convenience-focused store formats, building an unrivaled fast casual platform with tremendous runway for growth.
«Ted has been an outstanding colleague and partner, and we are grateful for his many contributions over the last three years as Panera has continued to thrive and grow,» commented Niren Chaudhary, CEO of Panera Brands and Panera Bread. «At the same time, we are truly excited to welcome Konrad Meyer as Panera Brands’ Chief Financial Officer. Konrad is a trusted partner and a friend who has extensive industry experience, including numerous financial and investment leadership positions, as well as a deep familiarity with Panera, which will make him a valuable member of our management team as we continue to execute our strategy and build on our leading portfolio of brands.»
