Dive Brief:
- Panera Bread appointed Nikka Copeland as senior vice president of its newly created Office of Transformation & Strategy, the chain said in a Wednesday press release. She officially joined the executive team on June 24, reporting to CEO Paul Carbone.
- In this position, Copeland will oversee the execution of Panera’s three-year growth plan, which aims to drive business model clarity and improve sustainable performance and growth.
- Panera Bread has recently implemented a flurry of changes in an effort to improve operations, including menu updates, new branding and the shuttering of its dough facilities.
Dive Insight:
Copeland’s appointment further supports the chain’s ongoing multi-year plan, which includes expanding teams, improving the guest experience and boosting franchise profitability.
Copeland brings over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, including restaurants, according to the press release. She most recently worked as senior vice president at World Kinect, a global energy provider. She also served in finance and strategy positions at National Grid, Aflac and Burger King.
“She is known for leading enterprise-wide initiatives, aligning people, process and technology around strategic outcomes to foster high-performing cultures,” the company said in the press release.
Although the chain is in the midst of a transformation, it continues to grow unit count, according to its franchise disclosure document. This is in contrast to other chains like Jack in the Box, Wendy’s and Denny’s that recently closed underperforming units to focus on more sustainable growth, profitable prototypes and remodels.
Panera added 35 units last year after opening 57 stores in 2023. The chain has grown from 2,114 units in 2022 to 2,206 in 2024, per the FDD, and it expects to open 20 franchised units and 45 company-owned units in 2025.
