News

Former Krispy Kreme president taking over CEO role at Panera

April 28, 2019

Panera Bread has hired Niren Chaudhary as president and CEO, succeeding Blaine Hurst, who is retiring from the role May 23.  Hurst will remain on the board of Panera and become vice chairman, and will work alongside Chaudhary to help ensure a smooth transition into his new role, according to a company press release.

Chaudhary joins Panera from Krispy Kreme, where he has been COO and president of Krispy Kreme International since 2017. Previously, he spent 23 years with Yum Brands in a variety of executive positions and has more than 25 years of international corporate leadership experience in the food retail and hospitality industry.

"We are delighted that Niren will become the new CEO of Panera Bread," Oliver Goudet, Panera chairman and JAB managing partner, said in the release. "Niren is a recognized industry leader with an impressive track record of establishing brands and leading companies to achieve growth in markets around the world."

Hurts said although it was a difficult decision for him to retire, he is confident that Panera will be well-positioned for continued long-term success."

"He has a proven track record of successfully growing brands in many markets around the globe while also being highly focused on culture and people, and I am as excited about Panera's future today as I was when I started working with the company nearly nine years ago," he said.

"I look forward to this next chapter as Panera's vice chairman and helping JAB, our majority investor, with technology initiatives and other potential projects, while also having the opportunity to spend more time with my family. I am so proud of the Panera brand, the people, our food and the experience we provide to customers and associates every day."